The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has doubled its Asia Pacific team to eight members with new appointments across Singapore and Sydney.
Melissa Ong has joined as director of travel partnerships, Asia, based in Singapore. She began her role on 8 September after six years with Marriott Luxury Group as Global Account Director. Prior to that, she spent eight years with The Leading Hotels of the World.
Sebastien Decaix, senior director of international sales, Asia Pacific, said the company is “delighted to welcome Melissa to the team” and that her “market expertise and relationships” would be valuable as the brand continues its expansion in Asia. He added that the timing aligns with the upcoming inaugural Asian voyage season of the Luminara, beginning this December.
In Sydney, the reservations team has been expanded from two to five agents to meet growing demand. Christopher Menon, formerly of Four Seasons Singapore and The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, joined on 18 August. Nathan Gudsell joined on 2 September from Baillie Lodges and has also worked with Quintessentially. Jasmine Zaman, currently assistant front office manager at Pier One Sydney Harbour, will join on 6 October. She has previously worked at Hotel Arts Barcelona, a Ritz-Carlton property.
Christopher and Nathan are undergoing training in Fort Lauderdale, including a yacht experience in Europe, before assisting partners from October. Jasmine will train in Malta before embarking on her own yacht experience and begin supporting partners in November.
Decaix highlighted that “trade partnerships are central to our strategy” and expressed confidence that advisors would benefit from the investment in the Sydney-based team.