Kristy Malapa
Kirrawee,NSW
Summary
Results-driven tourism professional with over two decades of experience, specialising in youth tourism and accessible tourism. Proven expertise in stakeholder management, industry development, and collaboration. Recognized for cultivating key relationships, driving growth, and providing strategic leadership.
Adept at summarizing complex insights into actionable plans, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the overall success and sustainability of the tourism sector. Known for leveraging deep industry understanding to foster collaboration and implement innovative solutions. Seeking opportunities to contribute extensive expertise and leadership, particularly in shaping the future of youth sector and advocating for accessible tourism initiatives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Industry Relations Manager
Tourism Australia
07.2017 - Current
- Developed and implemented industry engagement strategy.
- Provided insights into international marketing campaigns.
- Analyzed and reported on international tourism numbers.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify emerging trends and potential areas of growth within the industry.
- Championed product development initiatives that resulted in the successful launch of innovative offerings within the market segment.
- Enhanced communication channels within the organization, fostering a collaborative work environment conducive to innovation and shared success.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Youth Sector & Accessible Tourism Specialist
Tourism Australia
07.2017 - Current
- Specialized in Youth / WHM and accessible tourism.
- Educated stakeholders on attracting international tourists.
- Increased community awareness of available services through targeted marketing campaigns and networking events.
Marketing Manager Oceania
Hostelworld Group
06.2016 - 06.2017
- First in-market marketing manager, focused on increasing bookings.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new opportunities, adjusting marketing plans accordingly for maximum effectiveness.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent branding across all company touchpoints and communications channels.
- Increased brand awareness by developing and implementing strategic marketing campaigns.
Regional Manager South East Pacific
Hostelworld Group
10.2007 - 05.2016
- Managed all aspects of the Sydney office, including staff, sales trips and events.
- Established and maintained operational standards for all Australian and New Zealand locations.
- Enhanced team performance by providing regular coaching, training, and performance feedback to staff members.
Sales Manager
Adventure Tours Australia / Oz Experience
11.2006 - 10.2007
- Target-driven role selling Australian adventure holidays to backpackers and working holiday makers.
- Evaluated competitor offerings to maintain a competitive edge, adapting strategies as necessary for sustained success.
- Established and cultivated solid business relationships with new or existing customers.
- Streamlined sales processes for improved efficiency, resulting in higher conversion rates.
Account Executive
Hostelworld Group
08.2005 - 10.2006
- Managed stakeholder accounts in South East Asia and the Indian sub-continent from their Dublin HQ.
- Boosted client satisfaction by developing and maintaining strong relationships through effective communication.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently by identifying new business opportunities and creating customized solutions for clients.
Tour Leader
Backpacker.co
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Led tours in Spain, Germany, Scotland, and Ireland.
- Guided groups of up to 30 people on scheduled tours.
- Streamlined tour logistics for smoother operations, ensuring timely departures and arrivals at destinations.
Education
BBA - Tourism Management / Marketing
Swinburne University Of Technology
Online12.2017
High School Diploma -
Sale College
Sale, Victoria12.1999
Diversity & Inclusion: Cultural Intelligence & Unconscious Bias Course -
University of Sydney - CCE
Sydney, NSW01.2023
Accessible & Inclusive Travel Course -
Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Sydney, NSW01.2023
Leadership Course -
University of Sydney - CCE
Sydney, NSW01.2023
Presentation Skills -
University of Sydney - CCE
Sydney01.2023
Sustainability Courses -
Earth Check Via Typsy Online
Sydney, NSW01.2023
Cultural Capability Program -
BlackCard Training
Sydney, NSW01.2022
Communicating with Presence & Impact -
MGSM Executive Education
Sydney, NSW01.2019
Divemaster Course -
Pro Dive Coogee
Sydney, NSW01.2015
Skills
- Business Development
- Time Management
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Effective Communication
- Product Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Organizational Skills
- Decision Making
- Emotional Intelligence
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Professional and Courteous
Accomplishments
- Implementation of an Accessible Tourism positioning and strategy within Tourism Australia.
- Selected to represent my industry on the national BYTAP panel
- Hiking to Everest base camp, Kodoka track and the Great Wall of China
- Combining my passion for travel with a professional career
Industry Appointments
- President, Backpacking Operators Association (BOA) New South Wales, 2010 - 2015
- Vice Chair, Backpacker Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) Australia, 2011 - 2015
School Appointments
- School Captain
- Chairperson of Student Rep Council
Travel
- Africa: Egypt, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia
- Asia: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Tibet
- Europe: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Vatican City, Wales
- Oceania: Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu
- Middle East: Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
- South America: Argentina, Uruguay
References
- Bede Fennell, EGM Corporate Affairs, Tourism Australia, bfennell@tourism.australia.com
- Felicia Mariani, Managing Director, VTIC, fmariani@vtic.com.au
- Wendi Aylward, Managing Director, AIFS, waylward@aifs.com.au
Timeline
Industry Relations Manager
Tourism Australia
07.2017 - Current
Youth Sector & Accessible Tourism Specialist
Tourism Australia
07.2017 - Current
Marketing Manager Oceania
Hostelworld Group
06.2016 - 06.2017
Regional Manager South East Pacific
Hostelworld Group
10.2007 - 05.2016
Sales Manager
Adventure Tours Australia / Oz Experience
11.2006 - 10.2007
Account Executive
Hostelworld Group
08.2005 - 10.2006
Tour Leader
Backpacker.co
01.2003 - 01.2006
BBA - Tourism Management / Marketing
Swinburne University Of Technology
High School Diploma -
Sale College
Diversity & Inclusion: Cultural Intelligence & Unconscious Bias Course -
University of Sydney - CCE
Accessible & Inclusive Travel Course -
Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Leadership Course -
University of Sydney - CCE
Presentation Skills -
University of Sydney - CCE
Sustainability Courses -
Earth Check Via Typsy Online
Cultural Capability Program -
BlackCard Training
Communicating with Presence & Impact -
MGSM Executive Education
Divemaster Course -
Pro Dive Coogee
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