Hospitality/tourism professional back in town

Justin Mitchell, Ramada manager

Justin Mitchell, who recently relocated back to Rotorua from Queenstown, has been appointed the new resort manager of the Ramada Resort Rotorua Marama.

Mr Mitchell will be responsible for day-to-day operations at the resort, said Wyndham's senior vice-president resort operations and property development Matt Taplin.

He has extensive experience gained during almost a quarter-century in the hospitality and tourism sectors, where he worked his way up from being a food and beverage assistant.

Kelly Osborne, Destination Rotorua

For the past four years, Mr Mitchell has been general manager of Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown. He has a strong record in resort operations, including front-of-house, hotel services, food and beverage, and budgeting and financial management. Mr Taplin said Mr Mitchell was raised and got his start in the hospitality industry in Rotorua.

"He is very excited to take up his next challenge in his hometown and we are delighted to have a professional of Justin's calibre joining our team," he said.

In another recent tourism appointment, Kelly Osborne has been named Destination Rotorua's sales and marketing co-ordinator for business and major events.

"We now have a full team on board with a clear focus and strategy as we move into 2016," said Destination Rotorua business events manager Craig Murray.

Ms Osborne brought five years of tourism marketing experience to the Destination Rotorua team, and a strong background in both destination marketing and event co-ordination, he said.

"Her skillset and experience means she's the ideal person to help us grow the quantity and value of business and major events in Rotorua."