Full-Circle Moment for TravelManagers’ Newly Appointed Queensland BPM
TravelManagers has appointed Erin Ross as its new Business Partnership Manager (BPM) for Queensland. With almost 30 years’ experience as a travel advisor across leisure, corporate and home-based sectors, Ross brings deep frontline insight to the role. Ross will work alongside BPM Lucy Hunter, who is based in South Australia. Under the refreshed structure, Lucy will support PTMs in northern NSW and the Gold Coast, while Ross will focus on PTMs across the rest of Queensland.
The new role marks a return to the TravelManagers network for Ross, who began her travel career as a domestic travel consultant with House of Travel, TravelManagers’ parent company and New Zealand-based retail travel brand. She progressed into international and corporate consulting, spending several years in London before eventually settling in Australia and building her own business as a personal travel manager (PTM).
“I’ve been there and sat behind the desk as a PTM, so I understand the challenges that the network face and I am keen to support them in a way that’s practical and meaningful. I’ve only been in this new role for a couple of weeks, but I can already see that I’ve joined a fantastic, supportive NPO (National Partnership Office) team who leave no stone unturned when it comes to supporting the PTM network.”
After stepping away from the industry during COVID-19, Ross said she was drawn back to travel through the opportunity to re-join TravelManagers in a different capacity.
“It felt like the right time to return to an industry I love, but in a different way: supporting others to succeed, rather than rebuilding my business from scratch again.”
In her new role, Ross will focus on building strong relationships with PTMs through Queensland, providing support and guidance as they navigate an ever-evolving travel landscape.
“I love getting to know people, hearing their stories, and finding out how they define success,” she explains. “That’s why one of my immediate priorities will be reconnecting with PTMs across the state, as well as getting caught up on TravelManagers’ new systems, tools and initiatives.”
With the PTMs under her care spread over such a large geographic region, Ross emphasises the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships in her new role, especially as recent global events have impacted confidence levels within the travel sector.
“At times like these, having the right support and connection is more important than ever. PTMs need someone they can talk to, who will celebrate their wins and help them to fine-tune the parts of their business that they might otherwise neglect because they don’t have time.”
“Travel has always been a people business,” she adds, “and there’s something about the culture at TravelManagers that is unlike anywhere else. I feel so very grateful to be part of this company – it feels like I’ve come home again.”
