New Chief Navigator Onboard

First published on August 4, 2020

Last updated on May 23, 2023

Digital Strategist Extraordinaire Despina Karatzias appointed as new GM for Navii and Tourism Tribe. GM. The passionate founders Liz Ward & Fabienne Wintle will continue to focus on empowering small business, as they bring in capable and experienced Despina to take over the day to day running of the two companies.

5 August 2020 – After five years of successfully launching and operating market-leading tourism digital training and coaching platform, TourismTribe.com, co-Founders of Digital Coaching International, Liz Ward and Fabienne Wintle have appointed new General Manager (AKA Chief Navigator), Despina Karatzias to hand over the day to day operations of Tourism Tribe and Navii.com.au.

Liz and Fabienne have been responsible for many digital transformation journeys and projects across the country empowering thousands of businesses to ‘get digital’. After a competitive tender process they were also the recent successful recipients of ‘The Empowering Business to Go Digital’ grant to establish an innovative online platform to drive digital capability among small business.

The passionate founders will continue to focus on empowering small business, as they bring in capable and experienced Despina to take over the day to day running of the two companies.

“After working with Despi on various projects over the past few years we knew she would be a perfect fit and are thrilled to have her join us,” says Liz.

“There are not many people in the industry to have such a cross section of skill and enthusiasm that we welcome to our business,” Mrs Wintle said.

Between 2003 and 2014 Despina managed all areas of sales, marketing and general day-to-day business management of Victorian hot air balloon business, Global Ballooning Australia. Through her own determination and many hours of DIY learning when there was no industry specific education for small tourism operators, she was instrumental in transitioning the business into the age of digital technology to improve its systems, productivity and marketing initiatives to attract local and international visitors alike before becoming the company’s CEO and Managing Director.

Second staff meeting with Despina onboard (top centre)

Over the years, Despina has also taken flight on her own and decided in 2014 to use the knowledge and experience she gained to start her own school for tourism businesses, The Institute of Excellence, focusing on practical and inspired training in tourism, digital and social media marketing as well as becoming the head of digital marketing training and assessment for Monarch Institute.

“I am extremely honoured and proud to take on the role of Chief Navigator overseeing Tourism Tribe and Navii,” says Despina, “I have the deepest respect for Liz and Fabie, particularly in regard to their unwavering commitment to support and empower small businesses across Australia to come out of the COVID-19 crisis stronger than before.”

For more information or PR enquiries, contact:

Ph: +61 419 578 200
Email: liz@tourismtribe.com
Web: www.tourismtribe.com | www.navii.com.au

Fabienne W

Fabienne Wintle is Chief Digital Strategist and is an advocate for digital self-sufficiency, having empowered thousands of small businesses with the knowledge and tools required to make a living from tourism. Her special blend of digital know-how, tourism knowledge, coaching skills and a natural gift for communication make her a sought-after consultant, workshop facilitator and speaker. She lives on Australia's Southern Great Barrier Reef in Agnes Water, Queensland where she volunteers her time to help local businesses use the internet.