Team News

We are thrilled to welcome Ruth Ghirme Woldemichael to Tourplan Europe in the role of Customer Experience Specialist.

With an impressive track record spanning over a decade in the UK inbound tour operator industry, Ruth offers a wealth of experience in group operations and business development. As a seasoned Tourplan user, she brings extensive knowledge of operations, customised itinerary creation and booking management processes. Ruth’s Tourplan experience combined with her passion for building and maintaining excellent relationships, will add significant value to our clients throughout Europe.

In her spare time, Ruth enjoys travelling, cooking and proudly holds a white belt in kickboxing.

Welcome to the Tourplan family, Ruth!

Meet Maigen De Beer who has recently joined Tourplan Africa in the Accounts and Administration role.

Maigen has extensive experience in the South African banking industry, manufacturing, and real estate. Her experience spans across various functions, including accounts, administration, procurement, stock control, and sales.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, keeping fit, and being out in nature!

Welcome to the Tourplan family, Maigen!

Introducing Shamin T, the newest addition to our Tourplan Finance team as an Accountant. Shamin brings a wealth of expertise as a Chartered Accountant, with a decade of experience in financial analysis, reporting, budgeting, and strategic financial management.

In her spare time, she enjoys canvas painting, DIY crafts, Wasgij puzzles and dancing.

Welcome to the Tourplan family, Shamin!

Meet Vincent Lee Xing Sheng who has recently joined the Tourplan Asia team in the role of Support Specialist!

With a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, specialising in software engineering, Vincent has a passion for technology and problem-solving. His enthusiasm and expertise in the tech landscape will add significant value to our clients throughout the Asian region.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing a wide range of video games and participating in sporting activities.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Vincent!

We are thrilled to announce the newest member of our tech-savvy team—Matt Qiu, our dynamic Software Developer! With a wealth of software engineering experience spanning various industries, Matt’s expertise is set to elevate our projects to new heights.

Beyond the coding realm, Matt finds joy in swimming, embarking on road trips, and exploring new destinations. His passion for adventure and innovation aligns seamlessly with our Tourplan spirit.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Matt as he dives into this exciting journey with us!

We’re thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Lynn Mah, who has recently joined us as a Support Specialist (Accounting). Lynn brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our team, making her a valuable asset to both Tourplan and our clients.

Lynn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Investment, a testament to her dedication and expertise in her field. In her short 6 months with us, has not only honed her skills but also made her presence known among our diverse clientele through her exceptional support tickets.  Lynn’s passion for information technology is contagious, and we’re confident that her dedication will shine through in the service and support she offers to our clients throughout Asia.

Outside of the office, Lynn loves savouring a good cup of coffee, exploring delicious foods, and embarking on adventures to new places. Her zest for life is evident in both her professional and personal pursuits, and we can’t wait to see how this enthusiasm continues to benefit our team and clients.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Lynn Mah as we embark on this exciting journey together.

We’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to our Tourplan Africa family, Demi-Jade Bezuidenhout, joining us as a Customer Experience Specialist.

Demi-Jade brings with her a wealth of experience, having excelled in a dynamic range of roles. Her seven-year tenure as a mathematics business franchise owner delivered remarkable academic achievements for students. As an Accounting Trainee, she mastered the intricacies of payroll, bookkeeping, VAT, EMP201, and 501s. Her role as a Project Assistant equipped her with the skills to oversee entire project lifecycles and conduct impactful training sessions.

With a BCOM in Business Management, Demi-Jade’s commitment to continuous learning is evident through various Udemy courses, including Project Management & Business Analytics.  Beyond her professional achievements, Demi-Jade finds joy in hiking with her dogs, engaging in animal farming, immersing herself in nature, and delving into captivating books or educational courses. Her dedication to family and friends is equally paramount.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Demi-Jade!

We’re delighted to welcome Leigh-Ann Welsh to the Tourplan team as our esteemed Customer Experience Specialist, officially joining us on October 16, 2023.

Leigh-Ann brings an impressive background of 16 years in self-employment, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and tenacious problem-solving nature. Her unwavering focus on achieving goals, coupled with a keen understanding of clients’ specific needs and expectations, positions her as a valuable asset to our team.

Leigh-Ann’s decision to transition into a new career path speaks volumes about her commitment to personal growth and embracing new challenges. We are confident that her client-centric approach will not only elevate our team’s ability to deliver exceptional service but also add significant value to our clients, team, and the region we serve.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Leigh-Ann as we embark on this exciting chapter together!

We’re excited to welcome Elizabeth Mothibi to the Tourplan Africa team as our new Customer Experience Specialist! Elizabeth comes to us with a rich background as a Hotel Coordinator and Client Success Agent, amassing five years of experience in delivering top-notch customer service, software support, implementation, and training.

With expertise in handling restaurant Point of Sale, Central Reservation, and Property Management Systems, Elizabeth’s passion for IT is a driving force that ensures exceptional support and service delivery to our clients. Her commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to provide unparalleled experiences for our valued customers.

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys the simple pleasures of life. Whether spending quality time with family, showcasing her culinary skills through cooking and baking, or catching up on the latest shows on Netflix and Showmax, Elizabeth brings a well-rounded and vibrant energy to our team.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Elizabeth as we embark on this exciting journey together!

Tourplan, the global leader in tour operator and destination management company software solutions, announced the appointment of Craig Gray as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Effective 1 November 2023, Gray will succeed Peter Trumic, who has provided 35 years of distinguished leadership to the company.  Craig Gray is uniquely qualified for this pivotal role, with 32 years in the travel technology sector. His comprehensive knowledge of Tourplan’s international operations has been demonstrated through his stewardship of their five regional offices in his prior role as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

Peter Trumic, while stepping down as CEO, remains integral to Tourplan’s future. He will assume an executive position focusing on strategic project delivery and will continue to serve on the board of directors.  This leadership transition is a culmination of a long-term succession strategy, reflecting Tourplan’s commitment to continuity and a strong growth trajectory. The broader executive team, led by Gray, is poised to embrace the challenges and opportunities of a resurgent tourism industry and the expanding confluence of tourism and technology.

Speaking on the transition, Peter Trumic remarked, “Tourplan’s culture of quality, performance and respect for all our stakeholders – our clients and our staff – will remain central to who we are and what we do.”

New CEO of Tourplan, Craig Gray shared, “Taking on the mantle of CEO for Tourplan is both an honour and a tremendous responsibility. The journey from a New Zealand startup to a global enterprise with clients spread across 70 countries is nothing short of remarkable. At our core we have a fantastic global team of talented, innovative professionals who value our culture, caring deeply about providing great software and customer experiences.  I am excited to build on this foundation, ensuring that Tourplan remains at the forefront of innovation and value creation in the tourism sector.”

Craig Gray’s association with Tourplan began in 1991. He has since held diverse leadership roles across Europe, South Africa, and Asia Pacific, culminating in his last position as the Chief Commercial Officer at Tourplan’s New Zealand headquarters.

Meet Katy Lee, the newest member of the Tourplan Europe team who recently joined in the role of Sales and Marketing Manager.

With over 30 years of expertise in both the travel and tourism industry and a strong background in the travel technology sector, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Katy’s unique blend of industry experience, technological acumen, and her skill in nurturing lasting customer relationships will add value to our service offering across Europe.

In her spare time, Katy enjoys spending time with her loved ones, playing golf and mountain biking.

Welcome to the Tourplan family, Katy!