The Team
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NICHOLAS RONE Nic is the Owner and Managing Director of 'Varsity Lakes Travel' (VLTravel) and the specialist Family Travel Company 'Kids on Board' (KOB). A Gold Coast resident and respected travel professional, Nic has served in senior management roles within the Travel, Tourism and hospitality industries both in Australia and throughout Europe for over 23 years.
Nic's current appointments include;
From 1991 - 2001 Nic spent over 10 years as senior operations manager for one of Greece's largest Travel / Inbound Tour operators, responsible as sole agency for Insight Vacations, Trafalgar Tours, Contiki 18-35's holidays, Creative Holidays as well as ETON, Westminster schools and more. Upon return to Australia in 2001 Nic joined My Travel Network (MTN) as Senior Sales and Marketing Executive and as their European operations liaise. Spearheading the company's roll out and sales drive into Europe, Nicholas spent a further 5 months living and working in Amsterdam / Netherlands setting up MTN's European sales operation eventually returning to Australia in late 2002. Since 2005 Nic has operated the successful company VLTravel and more recently created and launched the specialised family travel company 'Kids on Board'. In addition to VLT and KOB, Nic is extremely active within the greater business community of the Gold Coast holding numerous positions on association boards and committees, Nic is also supportive of charities such as the Hear and Say Centre - hosting annual events and balls to help raise awareness and much needed funds. For both personal and professional reasons, Nicholas continues to travel extensively throughout the world and maintains to this day a strong association with Travel Industry suppliers and operators worldwide. His native tongue is English and he speaks basic German and Greek. Nic and his German wife Gisela have two young daughters; Holly Angelina and Isabelle Athena. "It is my firm belief that the true value and worth of our organisation is our staff who posses the experience, knowledge and dedication necessary to afford our clients the very best service and product - they are people you can trust. Our team have lived, breathed and worked in Travel throughout the world, assisting clients and holiday makers to get the most out of their time traveling collectively for over 200 years. As the owner and Director it is my mission to harness and grow the experience and knowledge of my team, to allow them to build long term trusted relationships with our customers and their families."
For more information on Nic's current community position held - click here |
RACHEL POWELL Rachel Powell is VLTravel's is VLTravel’s General Manager brings with her 12 years consulting and management experience in the travel industry. Her friendly personality, knowledge of geography and industry skill set are well known on the Gold Coast and have built her a loyal following throughout her career. Having been recommended to us originally by other industry professionals, it goes without saying that Rachel comes to us well credentialed and is a most welcome addition to our growing team. An avid adventurer and all round lover of traveling herself, Rachel has amongst other things lived in Sri Lanka, backpacked through the UK, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy & Greece and its exotic islands. She has traveled through Singapore, Thailand, and the United States, and only recently returned from a month's educational to Cambodia, Malaysia & Vietnam, giving her a great deal of up to date knowledge about Asia. In addition to all this, her love for resort style holidays has also led her places like the Maldives, Fiji, Vanuatu, Noumea & Bali on numerous occasions, so for all you resort loving sun seekers out there - Rachel is your girl. Rachel has also been responsible for looking after groups with the Australian institute of sport. "I have only one aim - and that is to strive to give my clients the very best service I can, in order that they enjoy the holiday experience of a lifetime - full stop" |
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ALAN HARRISON Alan Harrison's involvement in the travel industry both in Australia and Europe stems back over 20 years.Starting as European site representative for Contiki 18- 35's Holidays, Alan moved on to become a European Contiki Tour Coach driver and Tour Manager. In 1994 Alan then became a Tour Director for Trafalgar Tours, managing and operating group tours throughout Europe and the Eastern Block. Alan moved to Australia in 2000 with My Travel Network (MTN) as their IT Manager and Travel industry consultant. He was responsible for the management and implementation of the company's worldwide IT infrastructure and in-house IT operations & security; He also acted as Coach Tour and supplier advisor. Alan, an original founder of the agency with Nic Rone has been with VLTravel since opening. He holds the position of Senior Cruise Consultant, heading up the company's growing Cruise Division. His love of cruising throughout the years has seen him develop a keen interest in all aspects of cruising. "My years in the travel industry have afforded me the opportunity to see the world, and whilst reticent at first about cruising in general, I must say that I am now one of the converted. Whilst I enjoy throwing on a backpack at times, I still prefer the little luxuries I get when I cruise, and only having to unpack my suitcase once is simply wonderful - leaving me time to enjoy the shows, destinations, 24 hr dining and being waited up morning noon and night - just my cup of tea " |
KEN OBERHARDT Ken Oberhardt is VLTravel's 38 year veteran. A well known, recognised and respected face throughout Burleigh, Robina and Varsity for many years, Ken was previously the owner operator of TravelValu in Burleigh Heads for nearly 24 years. He is also a charter member and Ex President of the Rotary Club of Robina & Varsity Lakes and the previous coordinator of the annual Robina Rotary Charity Art show. As Ken’s title suggests, he is a Holiday design specialist – not just a consultant. It is one thing to consult, it is another to have the skills, knowledge and experience to piece together highly detailed holiday itineraries which incorporate literally hundreds of components – and as his clients attest – Ken is the VERY best at what he does! Personally written itineraries, pre filled out boarding cards, pre confirmed seating and personalised holiday planning appointments with his clients, Ken does it all and epitomizes what it means to be a professional and a specialist. This is why his services are by appointment only, and why has held many of his clients throughout his entire 38 years in the business. Ken's selfless commitment to community as well as his incredible wealth of experience, knowledge and dedication to service excellence means he is a man in demand, and we are lucky to have him as part of the VLTravel team. "Next to my wife and family, Travel is my life, my love and my passion. Nothing beats creating someone's dream, putting it all in place, sending them on their way and then sitting with them when they return to hear how it all played out. The smiles on their faces and the stories they regale make every day a new and special occasion for me and I never tire hearing them. My pleasure is derived of other's happiness and having been a part of helping them fulfil their dreams which is why I take the time necessary to get it right. My clients put their trust in me - and I take that very seriously." |
ANGIE KEMP Angie has over 11 years leisure, corporate and wholesale consultancy experience under her belt, but most importantly she is an experienced travelling mum which is why she has been appointed as the Managing Consultant for our exclusive 'VLT Family Travel' department and product. As the mother of young daughter 'Sophia' (and with yet another on the way), she is acutely aware of the trials and tribulations facing travelling families, and well qualifies her to advise them accordingly. Her aim to ensure that both mum and dad, as well as the kids, enjoy a hassle free holiday that will create lifetime family memories. Throughout her long career she has travelled the world to places such as the USA, Vanuatu, Fiji, Cook Islands, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand as well as extensive travel throughout Australia including Tasmania, the Top End & North Queensland, and the majority of the Whitsunday Islands etc. She is also a South Pacific, Australia and Island specialist. With a keen eye for detail, stealthily efficient work practice and organised to a fault, Angie is a consummately professional and qualified consultant, who can be relied upon at all times to afford her clients the very best service possible. "Nothing gives me more pleasure than working in Travel and I enjoy the challenge of finding the perfect holiday for families. Over the years I have cultivated a healthy respect and understanding of their needs and wants, but the best reward for me is the smiling face and tales of adventure my clients share when they've returned from something I've organised" |
NICKY ROSS Nicky’s 17+ years experience in the Tourism industry started in the travel industry in Brisbane back in 1985 where she began her career in Sales for Ansett Airlines. In 1988 Nicky went on to work at Expo in the Amusement Park with the Expo's Groups division both pre and post Expo. From there Nicky left Australia to travel Europe and began work as UK / Europe Tour Manager for the next 3 years, eventually entering management for Contiki Europe between 95-96. Returning to Australia in 97 Nicky took on the position as General Manager of Operations for Contiki Australia for the next 6 years, becoming a wife and mother to 2 boys along the way. Most recently Nicky has been Teaching a Diploma of Tourism, acting as an industry consultant on various group tour projects around Australia, and has now taken up the position of Groups Manager for VL Travel. Nicky's groups and tours pedigree is a huge asset to VLT, and as an accredited, experienced and respected industry professional we welcome her as an important part of the overall VLTravel team. |
GISELA RONE Gisela has worked in the Travel and Tourism industry for over 17 years. German born and raised, Gisela started her career in banking, then completed her management / language studies as a European Secretary before embarking on a career in Tour Management, operating tours throughout Europe and the Eastern block for Contiki 18-35's Holidays and Trafalgar Tours. Upon moving to Australia in 2001 she joined My Travel Network (MTN) as secretary and administrative assistant. In addition to English, Gisela speaks several languages including French, German, Italian, Spanish and a little Russian. Nomadic by nature Gisela has been a global traveler all her life. As well as possessing an intrinsic knowledge of Europe, she has traveled extensively through countries such as North and South America, Sri Lanka, The Maldives, China, Tenerife, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and more. "I simply love to travel and I bring a little back with me every trip I make. It is a rewarding experience to help others share in the excitement of seeing new and far away places. I live the holiday with them as we talk of their trips and I receive great pleasure from helping them get the holiday they want by listening and getting to know them." |
LAURA KENNEDY Laura is a 12 year veteran of the Travel and Tourism industry and has worked both in Australia and New Zealand as a senior travel consultant. Laura assists in our leisure department though she is experienced and conversant in both Leisure and Corporate travel. Her in depth knowledge of the Asia Pacific region compliments the staff's already extensive travel background, as does her eye for a bargain hot spot which is always a winner with our clients. With an impeccable service record and consummately professional manner, Laura's attention to the detail and keen sense of what "service" means is a testament to her success. "I love people, I love travel, I love talking to people about travel. Few jobs offer the chance to indulge your passions whilst helping others quite like travel consultancy. I enjoy what I do so I do it well, which I believe means I get the best results for my clients." |
MO MOORHEAD Mo has been involved with bookkeeping and financial management within the Travel and Tourism industry for over 20 years, both in Queensland and Victoria. Originally born in the UK, she is an avid and prolific traveler in her own right which compliments the staff's already extensive travel expertise. Mo holds the title of 'Financial Controller' and heads up VLT's accounts department being conversant in all areas of travel accounting including in an depth knowledge of accounting software packages and procedures. With an impeccable service record and attentive disposition, Mo is well known throughout the Gold Coast community for her consummately professional and caring manner – she is truly the office den mother. "Numbers may be my business but I am lucky that I can parallel this with my love of travel. Many years ago I worked for the first company in Australia to send tours to China and they put me on an 'incentive trip' which got me hooked for life. Now I've been in the industry for over 20 years, have traveled the world, and I still enjoy being a part of an organisation where people share my passion for travel" |
