This year Parker Travel Collection launched its global tourism marketing network with new divisions established for the Asian and Continental European markets. This week the expansion continued with the opening of a sales office in Korea.

This latest development was celebrated on Thursday 31 July 2008, with an official opening attended by 70 tourism industry professionals and performed by Queensland’s Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, Hon. Desley Boyle MP.

The event took place at Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club’s newly opened venue, Fifty Nine Restaurant and Bar from 6pm. Along with Parker Travel Collection’s team from Cairns, Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne offices, this event will serve as an opportunity for key members of the region’s tourism industry to meet with new staff, Ronnie Kim, Irene Park and Henry Han.

According to Todd Parker, managing director of Parker Travel Collection, this event signifies the opening of a dedicated sales office in Seoul and sub-branch in Daegu.

“Parker Travel Collection’s Korean Sales Office will be located in well-known tourism company, Korean Tourism Relations (KTR) that is headed up by Ronnie Kim and supported by Irene Park.

“KTR has been extremely successful in the tourism marketing arena promoting Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort and will now add Parker Travel Collection’s portfolio of quality tourism products,” said Todd.

In Korea, Henry Han has been appointed by Mr Parker to look after his company’s interests and in so doing, will be responsible for retail and wholesale selling, training and staying in touch with frontline sellers on a daily basis.

Mr Parker says Korea is a burgeoning tourism marketplace with the second biggest honeymoon market in the world and as such, will be one of his company’s key areas of focus. Others include business incentive style travel, groups, golf and a new program for families. The new Korean language brochure is available online –
www.parkertravelcollection.com/attachments/PTCMEMBERBROKOREAN.pdf
brochures are also printed in Spanish, Chinese and English as part of our global services.

Following the success of Thursday night’s event marking the launch of Parker Travel Collection’s sales office in Korea, Mr Parker would like to acknowledge Minister Boyle’s commitment to tourism and willingness to face all challenges head on.

“We greatly appreciate Desley’s support for our latest development that occurs at a time when tough economic conditions require a much greater focus. This is a time to try new ideas and as has been our mantra from the outset, we want to lead the market. In practice, this requires scientific selling and frequency of contact with travel companies to ensure we remain ‘front of mind,” said Todd.

The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa has blitzed this year’s HMAA Awards achieving five out of five category wins at last night’s gala in Brisbane.

An elated Craig Biber, General Manager of The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa and Vision Hotels and Resorts said he was delighted with the award-haul that exceeded expectation to win everything they entered and more.

While the overall highlight was being named Property of the Year, there was a great deal of personal satisfaction for key team members with Mr Biber winning the new A.C.E.S. Award for his individual contribution to the industry and Executive Housekeeper, Jean Lapthorne awarded Department Manager of the Year.

In addition to these awards, The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa won Best Resort Award while Human Resources Manager, Tess Pinches, who was instrumental in the resort’s training success, was in attendance to accept the Training Award.

Mr Biber said last night’s success is down to a fantastic team of people who work hard to position The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa as a leading accommodation provider with outstanding surroundings, facilities and service.

“This success is also testament to the skill and dedication of our Director of Sales and Marketing, Rosie Douglas,” said Craig.

He continued, “What we have achieved is extra special considering we are an emerging marketing brand competing against established global hotel organisations.”

The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa’s recognition at this year’s HMAA awards caps off an award-winning week with the property’s housekeeping department winning both categories (Jean Lapthorne won Housekeepers Trophy of Excellence and Sue Affleck named Rising Star of the Year) at the inaugural Housekeepers Awards in Cairns and signature restaurant, Lago named Hotel/Motel Restaurant of the Year at the local Restaurant and Caterer’s Awards for the third year running.

The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa is a member of Vision Hotels and Resorts. For more information, visit www.thelakescairns.com.au or www.visionhotelsandresorts.com.au