Committee

President 

I’ve been working in the tourism and hospitality sector for the past 15 years. During my time at the Millett Group over the last decade, I’ve transitioned from operations to my current role with a key focus on connecting the international youth market to the group’s flagship brand Wake Up! Hostels.

I joined the Youth Tourism NSW committee (formally Backpacker Operators Association NSW) in 2017 and currently hold the position of President. I was lucky enough to take out the ‘Young Industry Legend Award’ at the 2019 Adventure Tourism Awards!

Secretary, Treasurer & Public Officer

With over a decade of experience in the youth tourism industry, I have dedicated my career to creating exceptional travel experiences. I am currently the General Manager for Nomads Sydney and The Scary Canary where I oversee all operations to ensure guests and patrons have unforgettable experiences. Previously, I served as the Property Manager at Sydney Harbour YHA and the South Island Operations Manager for Tourism Adventure Group. My work has taken me to diverse locations across New Zealand, Queensland, and New South Wales, fueling my passion for fostering environments that help travelers create lifelong memories.

I’ve been in the entertainment and hospitality sector for 14 years, and for the past six years, I’ve led iRock Entertainment as General Manager. My focus has been on creating epic experiences for young tourists, running Sydney’s biggest weekly events specifically designed for backpackers and transient young people. Through innovative event concepts and a deep understanding of youth tourism, I’ve helped connect international visitors with Sydney’s vibrant nightlife, ensuring their time here is truly memorable. My mission is to enhance the social and cultural experiences of young travellers while showcasing the best of what Sydney has to offer.

With eight years of experience in the tourism industry, I’ve dedicated my career to enhancing the travel experience for guests. Starting at Hostelworld, I developed a deep understanding of the travel and hospitality sectors. My journey continued at Skydive Australia, where I embraced the excitement of adventure tourism. Currently, as the Assistant Manager at YHA Sydney Harbour, I manage daily operations and guest services, ensuring each visit is memorable. My diverse roles across the industry have fuelled my passion for creating environments that help travelers forge unforgettable memories.

Committee Member

With over a decade in hospitality management, I’ve held various roles in properties across France, Spain, and New Zealand before moving to Australia and transitioning into hotel technology and online travel. This hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of the challenges accommodation providers face, shaping my passion for delivering solutions that drive success.

Building on this foundation, I moved into key account management and business development, working across the APAC region to drive growth, strategic partnerships, and technology adoption in the hospitality tech space.

Now, driving Business Development for APAC at RoomPriceGenie, I specialise in helping accommodation providers optimise revenue through smart, automated pricing solutions. My focus is on empowering accommodation providers with technology that simplifies revenue management, enhances profitability, and enables them to thrive in an evolving market.

I joined the Youth Adventure Tourism sector 20 years ago as a surf instructor on Sydney’s Southern Beaches. As a Driver Guide for over 16 years, I lead tours for Oz Experience and G Adventures showcasing Australia’s wonders, accommodation, activities and backpacker bars to young enthusiastic travellers. I’ve enjoyed surf guiding in the Maldives and managing a surf camp in Portugal along the way. I’m currently the National Training & Development Manager for Spaceships Rentals. We supply campervans to the youth travel sector and my role involves hiring and training staff as well as developing best practice across our nationwide network of depots.

I have over seven years in the hospitality and tourism industry, having arrived in Australia as a backpacker from Germany in 2017. I quickly fell in love with the country and made it my home. Over the years, I’ve worked in various backpacker hostels, including Nomads, YHA, and currently as Guest Service Manager at Wake Up! I’ve also gained experience with Happy Travels and managing the Travel Up! Traveldesk. Having personally experienced the challenges young travellers face, I feel a deep connection to youth tourism. Passionate about its potential for cultural exchange and personal growth, I’m thrilled to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm to Youth Tourism NSW.

Committee Member

Currently at Headout, I’ve held various key account management across APAC including at Student.com and Booking.com. Previous to that I was in the hotel sector. I have over 8 years experience in the industry and couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds.

I have been working within the tourism technology space for over six years now, helping tour operators big and small embrace technology to help increase their bookings and automate their operations. It’s a perfect job for me as I love tech and also love to travel and discover new experiences!

I was born and raised in Germany. Luckily enough, I can now call beautiful Australia my home since 2014. I’ve been working in the Hospitality, Travel & Tourism sector for the past 12 years. Always having a passion for travel and adventure, this led me to an amazing opportunity at Somerville Hospitality.

Currently the Operations Manager and very passionate about my role, I still enjoy everyday working in the youth tourism industry. Priding myself on being friendly and approachable with an extremely strong work ethic. Given my time over the past 8 years at Somerville Hospitality, I have gained extensive knowledge in the industry. I’m very excited to be a part of the committee for YTNSW.

I have been immersed in the accommodation industry since 2008, building a diverse and dynamic career. Starting as a concierge, I honed my customer service skills before managing ski lodges across Europe, and caravan parks in regional NSW. With a passion for hospitality and operations, I’ve developed a reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences and managing teams effectively. Currently, I serve as the Regional General Manager for NSW & ACT at the Leisure Accommodation Collective, overseeing multiple properties and driving excellence in service and operations. My extensive experience and leadership are key assets in this ever-evolving industry.

Committee Member

I’m the founder of Local Sauce Tours, an award-winning food, bar and street art tour company. I was previously a corporate lawyer but escaped that path to work in tourism, doing my apprenticeship at Bounce hostels and as a free walking tour guide before starting my own business in 2018.

I’ve worked in youth tourism and cultural exchanges on several continents, including as marketing and corporate affairs manager for YHA, promoting a global network of youth hostels, and for the British Council (developing bilateral arts and educational exchanges). I’ve also worked in student travel in Europe for USIT, and in New York for CIEE (Council for International Educational Exchanges) as well as being a Rough Guides writer. I love sharing my experience through lecturing and tutoring at UNSW and am also a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Additionally, I’m currently the Secretary for the Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) and was honoured to be named ‘Industry Legend of the Year’ at the 2023 Adventure Tourism Awards for my services to the sector.