• Working Group(s):  BYATA Chairman and Lead for Advocacy 
  
• Background:  Having over 24 years of senior management experience within the Backpacker and Activity Sectors in NZ.  Currently part of the Senior Leadership Team at YHA and have been in the position for 12 years. This is supported by a further 12 years in Senior Management Roles in the the Hotel and Activity sector including 7 years as General Manager at Skyline  in Queenstown. YHA takes a very active role in Advocacy and have represented the Backpacker Sector on the Hospitality Standards Institute Advisory  Group
  

 Working Groups:  BYATA Vice Chairman and Lead for Research

 History:  Having worked as the Country Manager for Magic Memories most profitable region based in Sydney having front row seats to ongoing innovation and development to the theme park industry.  Now the GM of Go Orange, the largest and most dynamic adventure tourism business who have just undergone a product merger and offering Kayaking, Cruising, Rafting and Jet Boating.

 Working Groups: Communications and BYATA Treasurer

Background: Anna has over 10 years tourism marketing experience in Rotorua across various roles in adventure activities, C&I, RTO, Aviation and event management. Her previous roles include Destination Rotorua - International Trade, Rotorua International Airport as BDM, Agroventures Adventure Park and Off Road NZ. Anna has strong event management experience and skills and has coordinated large and small events both in NZ and offshore.  Anna has demonstrated a strong commitment to the backpacker and youth market and has also worked as the RTO representative working closely with industry in implementation of the Rotorua Backpacker Network.

• Working Group(s) - Membership
• Background - Ryan is the owner of Haka Tours specialising in 3-24 day small group guided tours of New Zealand, and Haka Lodges - upmarket hostels based in Paihia, Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. In late 2010, Ryan was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the New Zealand Tourism Awards, and in 2013 Ernst & Young named him one of New Zealand's Top Young Entrepreneurs 35 and under.

Working Groups:  Industry Research and Arrival Numbers 

Background:  Clara has nearly eight years’ experience in the tourism sector across several international markets. Beginning her career at Flight Centre she was initially based in the UK and then moved to New Zealand three years ago. At Flight Centre she worked in a variety of roles and markets and has experience selling New Zealand as both an overseas and domestic destination. Clara has also spent time in the USA working in Summer Camps where she was involved with adventure trips and activities, developing a media programme and organising events. Following her own first-hand experiences, she’s passionate about promoting New Zealand on the world stage and supercharging New Zealand’s success in the Backpacker/Youth sector.

• Working Groups:  Advocacy,  Conference, Trade & Events + Rotorua Steering Group
• Background:  Experience and commitment to the Adventure Tourism Sector with strong leadership running two Adventure Companies for the past 18 years.  A Pioneer in River-Sledging on the Kaituna River Adding a unique and distinctive New Zealand cultural element to our Whitewater Rafting Experiences and diversifying business, recently launching exclusive land based guided hiking adventures on the iconic Mt Tarawera.

• Working Group:  Communications
• Background:  Accomplished senior marketer with over 12 years experience, providing sound strategic vision and outstanding commercial results, Passionate and highly driven, excelling in a fast-paced environment and thrive on challenge.  Experience that extends across all elements of the marketing function, from strategic planning, customer insights/market research and NPD to brand and product management.

• Working Groups:  Lead for Trade Events & Conference 
  
• Background: Graduated in Tourism in Brazil, Leo has worked in a few different areas within the industry: from managing catering companies and night clubs in Brazil, to being a waiter in Cancun, and a clown’s assistant in France. Well travelled and speaking 4 languages, Leo arrived in New Zealand in 2011, and worked for Magic Memories in Waitomo, Queenstown, and Hanmer Springs before joining the THL’s Black Water Rafting team as their Reservations and Sales Manager.  Moving to Auckland in 2015 he joined THL’s Sales Force with focus on the youth market, where in 2017 he decided to move to Taupo to add value to Skydive Taupo’s team as their Sales and Marketing Manager.  Leo became a NZ citizen earlier this year, and could not be more excited with the opportunity to join the BYATA board, to bring in fresh ideas to the mix!

 Working Groups:  Communications and Conference 

 Background:  Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland was a wonderful place for Rachel to grow up, before she could walk she could talk 14 different languages, living and breathing the tourism industry from a young age.  Rachel comes to us as the Sales and Marketing Manager for Skyline with a breadth of experience and passion. 

 Working Groups:  Lead of Sustainability & Research 

  Background:   A passionate marketer and strategic business lead, Rebecca’s career over the last decade has been anchored in her love for travel, lifestyle and adventure sports and has seen her lead transformational brand projects across the globe. Transposing this experience and expertise to the Tourism industry wasn’t too much of a tall order for Rebecca who’s passion for travel and New Zealand saw her effortlessly step into her role at Kiwi Experience leading Brand Experience & Marketing; a role which is uniquely positioned to represent a broad cross section of the backpacker and adventure travel sector.