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Work experience

Euro Guiding Services

2006present

Founding Director and Manager

  • Established and managed Euro Guiding Services, providing tour leading and driver-guiding services for overseas and local visitors, journalists, travel agents, and VIPs to key New Zealand destinations.
  • Collaborated with international and domestic inbound tour operators to execute pre-agreed itineraries, overseeing all aspects of itinerary management throughout the contract duration.
  • Delivered interpretive tours highlighting New Zealand's major attractions, historical sites, natural environments (fauna and flora), and cultural heritage in visitors' native languages.
  • Developed marketing strategies for guiding services, cultivated industry networks, and organized or participated in relevant industry events to enhance service visibility.
  • Maintained membership with ProGuidesNZ to uphold professional guiding standards and ensure access to up-to-date industry practices.
  • Contributed to enriching visitor experiences by combining cultural storytelling with detailed knowledge of New Zealand's unique landscapes and history.

Sail New Zealand

Nov 2020 March 2021

Marketing and Product Development (fixed term contract)

  • Designed and implemented sales and marketing incentives to promote private charters and events on the NZ-registered superyacht SY Pacific Eagle during the 36th America's Cup in Auckland.
  • Conducted promotional campaigns and developed advertising strategies for spectator cruises, private charters, and events on board SY Pacific Eagle.
  • Collaborated with tourism and transport operators, including airlines, helicopter/sea plane services, hotels, restaurants, and key stakeholders to enhance offerings and build partnerships.
  • Organized familiarization tours aboard SY Pacific Eagle to showcase the vessel's amenities and charter experience to potential clients and industry partners.
  • Supported hosting duties by crewing onboard SY Pacific Eagle during spectator cruises and private charters, ensuring guest satisfaction throughout events.
  • Facilitated seamless event coordination while liaising with various service providers to ensure successful charter experiences for all guests involved.                   

ANZ Nature Tours

2007present

Tour Leader/Driver Guide

  • Conduction of guided tours across New Zealand for small groups (14-21 days) and individual VIPs, catering to German- and French-speaking clients.
  • Interpretation of New Zealand's key attractions, including historical landmarks, diverse fauna and flora, and significant cultural aspects.
  • Delivery of culturally immersive experiences through tailored communication in the visitors' native languages.
  • Management of logistical responsibilities during extended trips to ensure smooth group travel operations.
  • Enhancement of visitor experience by providing in-depth knowledge and engaging commentary about iconic destinations.
  • Adaptation to varying guest interests and requirements to offer personalized itineraries and services throughout the journey.

contracted to AAT Kings

20172019

Tour Manager

  • Coordination and leadership of 15-20 day coach tours across New Zealand, covering both the North and South Islands.
  • Delivery of detailed commentary on key attractions, historical sites, natural features, and cultural aspects of the country to enhance visitor experience.
  • Collaboration with tourism and transport providers, including airlines, ferries, helicopter/floatplanes, cruise boats, trains, hotels, and restaurants to ensure seamless service delivery.
  • Management of logistical arrangements by reconfirming all reservations for excursions, flights, transfers, accommodations, meals, and events.
  • Facilitation of guest experience by escorting and providing support during selected activities and events.
  • Collection and analysis of customer feedback to identify areas for service improvement.

APT Australian Pacific Touring

20072017

Tour Manager

  • Organisation and integration of tours accommodating up to 48 customers, ensuring seamless travel experiences.
  • Delivery of comprehensive commentary on attractions, historical sites, cultural features, and landmarks throughout the country.
  • Coordination with tourism and transport operators, including airlines, helicopter/floatplane services, ferries, cruise boats, train companies, hotels, and restaurants.
  • Reconfirmation of all arrangements such as excursions, flights, transfers, hotel bookings, dinner reservations, and event itineraries to ensure accuracy.
  • Facilitation of guest participation in selected activities and events while providing necessary support throughout their experience.
  • Collection and analysis of customer feedback to optimise service quality and address areas for improvement.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

20102013

International Ambassador

  • Translation of the daily cruise program into German and French to ensure effective communication for non-English speaking guests.
  • Providing service desk assistance specifically dedicated to non-English speaking guests, fostering a welcoming and accessible environment on board.
  • Delivery of shipboard announcements in five languages: English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, supporting multilingual communication for diverse passengers.
  • Participation in hosting Captain's dinners and other onboard events aimed at enhancing guest experience and engagement.
  • Contribution to seamless interaction between crew and passengers by bridging language barriers across various activities and events.
  • Support for international passenger satisfaction through efficient translation services and multilingual communication.

Air New Zealand

19952006

Passenger Service Agent

  • Conducted check-in procedures for up to 12 airlines, managing customer interactions and ensuring accurate processing.
  • Coordinated effectively with representatives from multiple customer airlines to address operational needs and maintain service standards.
  • Performed thorough visa, passport checks, and customs clearance processes in compliance with official regulations.
  • Facilitated communication between catering teams, flight deck personnel, cabin crew, and customs/immigration authorities to ensure smooth operations.
  • Supervised Singapore Airlines check-in processes with a team of 10 staff members to achieve efficiency and high-quality service delivery.
  • Provided interpreting services and delivered public announcements in French, Italian, German, and Spanish as needed for effective communication.
  • Actively contributed as a member of the Work Group Review Committee, focusing on process improvements within operational workflows.
  • Participated as a key member of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee to ensure workplace safety compliance and initiatives.

Lufthansa German Airlines

Jun 1993 Oct 1994

Flight Attendant

based in Germany (Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart)
trained on B737, Airbus 310/320/319

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Feb 1989Mar 1992

Sales Secretary

Responsibilities: Assisted in Sales and Marketing Incentives

Participated in company promotions

Liaised with Travel Agents

Fares and Ticketing, Reservations, General secretarial duties

Education

HOSPRA Ecole Hoteliere, Leysin, Switzerland

Apr 1975Sep 1975

Diploma in Hotel Management

HOSPRA Ecole Hoteliere de Diploma in Hotel Management
Langues et de Secretariat

Certifications

ATTTO

Jan 2011Jun 2012

Certificate in Tourism (Tour Leadership Level4)

Unitec Auckland

Jan 2000Nov 2000

Certificate in Supervisory Management

AUT, Auckland Institute of Technology

Jan 1998Sep 1998

Certificate in Liaison Interpreting

Languages

Fluent English, German, French - Conversational Italian, Spanish

Qualifications and skills

Full drivers license (Class 1 and 2) with P-endorsement (current)

Comprehensive First Aid (current)

STCW-95 Crowd Management Training 

PADI Scuba Divemaster 

Microsoft Office

Yoga Alliance RYT 500 Registered Yoga Teacher (current)

ProGuides full membership (current)

Air New Zealand: Occupational Health and Safety Training 
Lufthansa: Dangerous Goods Certificate Training Certificate Passenger Services 
Sales in Traffic 
Flight Attendant Training Certificate 

referees

Douglas Cabot, Sail New Zealand  021-02819027

Frank Hildebrandt, ANZ Nature Tours  021-608258

travel experience

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND/PACIFIC ISLANDS

  • Lived in New Zealand since 1987, travelled throughout New Zealand and Australia working as and tour manager
  • Yoga Instructor since 2013
  • Lived and worked in Australia (Sydney and Ayers Rock 1986)
  • Travelled extensively throughout Australia, Pacific Islands (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Vanuatu, New Caledonia

ASIA

  • Lived and worked in the Republic of Maldives (1981 -1986 Airline Rep, Tour Guide)
  • Returned in 2012 to work as divemaster May-July 2012
  • Countries visited: Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan

MIDDLE EAST

  • Countries visited: Oman, Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Israel

EUROPE

  • Born and raised in Germany, educated in Switzerland
  • Countries visited: Austria, France, UK, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Italy, Spain incl Baleares and Canary Islands, Portugal incl Azores, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands
  • Yoga teacher at Club Hotel Stella Maris in Ibiza, Spain July/August 2014
  • Tour Guide and Yoga Teacher for SKR Reisen on Lesbos, Greece, June-September 2017
  • Tour Guide and Yoga Teacher for Frosch Sportreisen, Orebic, Croatia, July/August 2018

AFRICA

  • Countries visited: Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Djibouti

UNITED STATES

  • Lived in Juneau, Alaska and Los Angeles, CA. Travelled throughout California, and Alaska. VisitedNew York, Boston, Cape Cod, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Omaha, Dallas, Seattle, Phoenix, Lake Tahoe, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Hawaii

CARIBBEAN/SOUTH AMERICA

  • Countries visited: French Antilles (Guadeloupe/Martinique), Dutch Antilles (Aruba), GrandCayman, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil