Michael Gardiner Email & Phone Number

Kimberley, Gb

United Kingdom

Curating and expanding WildFoot's portfolio of authentic worldwide wildlife & adventure experiences I drive growth by developing innovative land products to add to the WildFoot product portfolio. Through extensive research and analysis of market trends, I identify new travel niches to explore, including luxury travel, sustainability, and photography, and redefined partnerships to expand our product offerings.In addition to developing new products, I play a key role in managing revenue… Show more Curating and expanding WildFoot's portfolio of authentic worldwide wildlife & adventure experiences I drive growth by developing innovative land products to add to the WildFoot product portfolio. Through extensive research and analysis of market trends, I identify new travel niches to explore, including luxury travel, sustainability, and photography, and redefined partnerships to expand our product offerings.In addition to developing new products, I play a key role in managing revenue through competitive pricing strategies and negotiating contracts with suppliers. I collaborate closely with colleagues to ensure successful promotion of our products to existing and potential clients.I also work to develop and implement sustainable working practices across the business and to promote responsible travel both internally and externally. Show less

United Kingdom

My primary responsibility was to expand our B2B objectives. This involved identifying new business opportunities, building long-term trade relationships, and supporting our partners with training and marketing direction.However, with the onset of Covid-19, my role quickly evolved to encompass additional critical elements such as customer procurement, product diversification, and sales funnel management.During my time in this position, I successfully established trade… Show more My primary responsibility was to expand our B2B objectives. This involved identifying new business opportunities, building long-term trade relationships, and supporting our partners with training and marketing direction.However, with the onset of Covid-19, my role quickly evolved to encompass additional critical elements such as customer procurement, product diversification, and sales funnel management.During my time in this position, I successfully established trade partnerships with some of the largest high street travel multiples and homeworker franchise networks in the UK. I also worked collaboratively with our trade partners on a variety of joint marketing initiatives and created and delivered training materials and presentations to enhance our partners' knowledge of our products and increase brand recognition.Additionally, I diversified our product mix to overcome the challenges of a shrinking market and pivot swiftly to take advantage of time-sensitive opportunities presented by the pandemic. Finally, I oversaw the adaptation of our B2B and B2C sales and marketing strategies to align with the changing focus of our clientele. Show less

United Kingdom

After returning to my roots in travel consultancy, I founded Insights Adventure Travel with the aim of creating exceptional travel experiences for discerning clients. Our focus was on delivering sustainable and locally-led tours in two of the world's most exciting destinations - Namibia and Botswana.As the founder, I was responsible for all operational and management functions, including the development of new travel products. This involved identifying and developing working… Show more After returning to my roots in travel consultancy, I founded Insights Adventure Travel with the aim of creating exceptional travel experiences for discerning clients. Our focus was on delivering sustainable and locally-led tours in two of the world's most exciting destinations - Namibia and Botswana.As the founder, I was responsible for all operational and management functions, including the development of new travel products. This involved identifying and developing working relationships with truly conservation-led partners, negotiating with DMCs, ensuring legislative compliance, managing marketing channels, and creating content. By developing unique and innovative products, we provided unforgettable experiences for our clients while supporting local communities and promoting sustainable tourism. Show less

Otjiwarongo, Namibia

Having worked at the user end of the Travel and Tourism industry for over ten years an opportunity to gain experience on the supply side whilst contributing to the survival of an endangered species was an exciting new challenge. Charged with growing the tourism business of an international conservation NGO and leading a delivery team consisting of customer service staff, guides and educators. I built from the ground up to promote a change in culture and attitudes and develop a team… Show more Having worked at the user end of the Travel and Tourism industry for over ten years an opportunity to gain experience on the supply side whilst contributing to the survival of an endangered species was an exciting new challenge. Charged with growing the tourism business of an international conservation NGO and leading a delivery team consisting of customer service staff, guides and educators. I built from the ground up to promote a change in culture and attitudes and develop a team committed to excellent customer service and the achievement of the organisation's goals.I developed existing relationships and established new partnerships with national and international tour operators such as National Geographic and G Adventures. Implemented organisational change to increase efficiency, in areas such as staffing policy and reporting, and reviewed all products and activities in terms of profitability, delivery and alignment with business values and modified or discontinued them as appropriate. These measures resulted in an increase in visitor numbers of 40% and revenue of 35% while cut operating costs. Show less

Nottingham, United Kingdom

After a highly successful period as a Travel Consultant, I joined the management team within a key but underperforming store during a period in which STA was undergoing significant corporate change to repositioning itself within the market and maximise efficiencies.I focussed on performance management and using KPI’s, PDP’s and coaching to deliver excellent customer service, drive sales, improve morale and exceed targets. It was great to see change lead to tangible results which… Show more After a highly successful period as a Travel Consultant, I joined the management team within a key but underperforming store during a period in which STA was undergoing significant corporate change to repositioning itself within the market and maximise efficiencies.I focussed on performance management and using KPI’s, PDP’s and coaching to deliver excellent customer service, drive sales, improve morale and exceed targets. It was great to see change lead to tangible results which benefited the customers, management and staff and re-established the store as a flagship for the STA brand with revenues of over £900K pa. Show less

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

Bachelor'S Degree, Information Technology With Business Studies

The course covered a wide variety of business subjects along with the development of communication systems (primarily computer.

High School