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Crystal moves forward in Australasia despite office closureCrystal moves forward in Australasia despite office closure

Crystal Cruises’ Miami-based SVP Marketing and Sales Carmen Roig has written to travel partners in Australia and New Zealand saying it is ‘business as usual’ following the closure of the Sydney regional office in April.

Helen Hutcheon, Australasia correspondent

June 16, 2020

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Weathering the pandemic

As reported here, the decision to replace SVP and MD Australasia Karen Christensen — who opened the office three years ago after taking over from representative Wiltrans International — with Genting’s local team followed a review of its business around the world to ensure it would weather the coronavirus pandemic. 

Brigita Devries reports to Michael Goh 

Brigita Devries, VP sales and marketing Australia and New Zealand, who headed up Dream Cruises and Star Cruises, reports to Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises and head of international sales for Genting Cruise Lines.  

‘The Australia-based reservations team, including operations manager Wanda Ferrand and reservations consultant Michelle Tomkinson, remains the same,’ Roig said.

She said Crystal’s sales team now includes Genting Cruise Lines sales managers Andrew Loving and Natalie Freeman who will work with the Australian industry, while Aaron Eilers will work with New Zealand travel agents.

Leonie Fraser, marketing manager, will be the primary contact for all marketing, media and public relations.

Support and service

‘As always, Crystal’s team around the world is committed to providing you the very best support and service,’ Roig said.

‘I thank you for your understanding during this time of transition and look forward to the many journeys and successes we will share together.’

About the Author

Helen Hutcheon

Australasia correspondent

Helen Hutcheon did her cadetship on a shipping magazine and worked in P&O’s Sydney office for seven years as a public relations journalist.

For 19 years she was deputy editor of Travel Week, which was Australia’s leading trade newspaper that covered major local and international industry events.

In 2008 the late legendary Rama Rebbapragada presented her with an award from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd ‘in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the cruising industry.’

In 2010 she won the Neil Frazer Award for ‘outstanding contribution to the cruise industry,’ elevating her to CLIA Australasia’s hall of fame.

She has been the Australasia correspondent for Seatrade Cruise Review since 1997 and for Seatrade Insider (now Seatrade Cruise News) since its launch in 2000.

 

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