Empowering
Tourism Operators
to Thrive
ABOUT DESTINATE TOURISM MARKETING
Kia ora!
I’m Michelle, the Director of Destinate Tourism Marketing. Like many in this incredible industry, I 'fell' into tourism in my early 20s, not long after I moved to New Zealand from my home in Queensland, Australia. Now, with over 25 years of experience working in senior roles for some of Australasia’s biggest tourism players, I’m passionate about helping SME tourism businesses punch above their weight.
At Destinate, we do more than just represent your business—we become a part of your team, guiding you with the knowledge, strategy, and tools to thrive in a competitive market.
What We Do:
Destinate specialises in helping owner-operated tourism businesses without in-house sales and marketing resources. We offer:
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Representation Services: Building relationships with trade and media partners to grow your brand.
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Strategic Marketing and PR: From campaign planning to crisis comms, we help you tell your story in a way that resonates.
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Training and Capability Building: Empowering you and your team with skills and confidence to tackle the ever-changing tourism landscape.
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Brand Development: Ensuring your business has a strong identity that stands out.
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Media and Graphic Design Services: Creating cohesive visuals and messaging that leave a lasting impression.
What Makes Us Different?
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We’re More Than Sales
Most representation companies focus solely on relationships. While that’s a big part of what we do, our difference lies in our ability to combine those connections with strategic marketing expertise. We help you bridge the gap between sales and marketing, ensuring every connection works towards your broader goals. -
Over 25 Years of Experience
I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in tourism and have attended TRENZ and other international trade events for nearly three decades. This experience, combined with my formal qualifications in marketing, ensures you’re getting the best of both worlds: industry knowledge and practical marketing know-how. -
Your Own Full-Service Marketing Team
At Destinate, we’ve partnered with an incredible network of freelancers who share our passion for results. Whether you need a half-day workshop or ongoing support with PR, media, or graphic design, we’ve got the team to deliver. -
We Focus on Results and Capability Building
We don’t just do the work for you; we upskill you and your team along the way. It’s all about creating sustainable success, so your business can continue to grow well into the future. -
A Global Network
With an extensive network across New Zealand, Australia, and key Western markets—including the UK and Europe—we can connect your business to the right people in the right places.
Let’s Chat
At Destinate, we’re passionate about helping tourism businesses succeed. Whether you’re looking to break into new markets, refine your brand, or build your team’s confidence, we’re here to help.
Drop us a line—we’d love to discuss how we can work together to elevate your business to new heights.
Check out our blog for more tips and information.
The Destinate Way
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
At Destinate, we do things a little differently. Here’s what drives us every day:
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People First, Always.
Relationships are the heart of tourism—and our business. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with clients, partners, and the travel trade to make big things happen. -
Backing the Underdogs.
We’re here for the go-getters, dreamers, and small operators punching above their weight. Everyone deserves a shot at success, and we love making it happen. -
Results That Count.
Likes and followers are nice, but real results are better. We’re all about campaigns that deliver bookings, boost visibility, and grow your business. -
Creativity with Purpose.
Forget cookie-cutter solutions. We blend bold ideas with smart strategy to help you stand out in a crowded market. -
Teach, Don’t Preach.
We’re not just a service—we’re your biggest cheerleaders. We empower you to take the reins with tools, training, and strategies you’ll actually use. -
Keep It Real.
Honest conversations, clear advice, and no jargon. We tell it like it is because that’s how we’d want to be treated. -
Fun, with a Side of Focus.
We’re all about loving what we do (and having a laugh along the way), but we never lose sight of the bigger picture: your success.
TRADE, AVIATION & INDUSTRY RELATIONS
MICHELLE CALDWELL
Michelle's tourism career began back in 1997 when she was appointed Branch Manager for Britz Campervans. Operationally responsible for 10 staff, and over 500 vehicles, Michelle went on to launch Backpacker Campervans into the NZ market.
When she moved to Melbourne in 1999, she became Product Manager for Backpacker Campervans AU/NZ before moving to London to join the thl sales team. She spent 3.5yrs selling Australia and NZ to UK/EU agents before transferring back to Auckland to manage the inbound and wholesale travel divisions of thl - incl brands like Mt Cook Line, Newmans Holidays, Horizon Vacations, Discover New Zealand and Ski Express.
In 2006, Michelle and her new husband relocated to Lake Taupo where she became Regional GM Marketing & Sales at Ngai Tahu Tourism, taking care of tourism icons Rainbow Springs, Agrodome and Hukafalls Jet. After 9.5years, she left to start her own agency Destinate where she has worked with tourism brands like Chris Jolly Outdoors, Tongariro River Rafting, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, Taupos Floatplane, Taupo Sailing Adventures and Venture Beyond.
Michelle also offers workshops for RTO's and businesses around NZ and has trained more than 200 industry personnel on how to work with the travel trade.
Her areas of expertise are: networking and trade relationships, strategy & product development, marketing & sales.
Our Delivery Partners
PR / MEDIA / CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS
TRACEY MERHTENS
Tracey's media career began as a daily newspaper journalist where she established a strong news, travel, and business tourism base for her later move into public relations.
Tracey has an in-depth understanding of the media landscape and a sound base of well-established media contacts. She is also an experienced magazine editor and writer.
Tracey heads her own company Accento Communications and has done for the last 8 years, which has strong expertise and experience in travel tourism, including crisis communications. Tracey was previously co-founding Director of 4PR & Events (10 years).
During her PR career Tracey has also led numerous international and domestic tourism PR accounts including:
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Club Med
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Tourism Fiji
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Tourism Malaysia
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Carnival Cruises
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New Caledonia Tourism
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Mt Ruapehu – RAL
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Rainbow Springs Rotorua
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Peppers Retreats & Resort
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Hukafalls Jet Taupo
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Tourism Eastland Gisborne
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Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ)
Tracey's areas of expertise lie in storytelling, crisis communications, sustainability and connections with people and place.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
VICKI JORDAN
Vicki and Michelle's history dates back to the early 2000's when Vicki was working for McAra Advertising and she was the creative director working on the thl account. Together, they spent long hours pouring over international travel brochures ensuring the content not only looked great, but was accurate and appealing to the end consumer.
Since then, Vicki has worked alongside Michelle on the Ngai Tahu Tourism Central North Island businesses (Rainbow Springs, Hukafalls Jet and Agrodome), and later with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.
Vicki is an incredible freelance creative with natural flair and an ability to understand tourism businesses and what works well for various target audiences.