New GM for The Tasman
Marriott International’s first Luxury Collection hotel in Australia, The Tasman, in Hobart, has appointed Carolyn Smith as its new general manager. She replaces Stephen Morahan who has moved to Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore.
Smith has been with Marriott and Starwood, which Marriott acquired in 2016, for more than a decade. Before joining The Tasman, she was the opening general manager for Courtyard Marriott Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens, a role she held since 2021. She has previously also worked at The Langham in London.
With Marriott, she has held other senior roles at the likes of Sheraton Melbourne and Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas.
In total she has more than 20 years of experience in hotels, starting at The Westin Melbourne in 2001.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at The Tasman, an icon of Tasmanian hospitality, at this pivotal time in the hotel’s journey, following several remarkable achievements in 2024,” said Smith.
“I’m looking forward to building on that success in alignment with The Tasman’s commitment to delivering world-class experience while honouring Tasmania’s unique heritage and charm.”
In 2024, The Tasman was recognised amongst the world’s 50 best hotels.
Two appointments at Monarto Safari Resort
Ahead of its opening this May, a general manager and a director of sales and marketing have been appointed at the five-star Monarto Safari Resort, located an hour’s drive from Adelaide and operated by Journey Beyond.
Andreas Huck will be the property’s GM, moving over from Crowne Plaza Hobart, where he has worked for over five years, most recently as operations manager.
Huck is closing in on 20 years of experience in hotels and venues, having held positions at SkyCity Darwin, InterContinental Hotels alongside MONA and Freycinet Lodge in Tasmania.
“Monarto Safari Resort is a game-changer in Australian tourism, offering guests an unforgettable stay alongside incredible wildlife and unique connections to nature,” Huck said.
“I look forward to welcoming our first guests and recruiting and building a talented team to bring this vision to life.”
Meanwhile, Imogen Rivers has been appointed director of sales and marketing for the 78-room resort, bringing with her almost 15 years of business development, sales and marketing experience in the hotels sector.
She spent over eight years with Hilton at the start of her career and has also held sales roles at the Mayfair Hotel in Adelaide and, most recently, at Sofitel Adelaide.
“I am incredibly excited to join Monarto Safari Resort and feel truly fortunate to be part of such a unique destination,” said Rivers.
“With its stunning hotel facilities overlooking pristine nature, it’s a privilege to help create unforgettable guest experiences in this remarkable setting.”
Aside from its 78 rooms, the resort includes event space, two swimming pools and a spa. In time the property will also offer 20 glamping tents.
The resort sits within the Monarto Safari Park, which is the largest safari experience outside Africa. A portion of every room rate will go towards the conservation activities of the wildlife park.
