Q&A – Nicole Botting, our new Head of Delivery

We are beyond excited to announce the latest addition to the Maverick family, Nicole Botting!

As another tourism lover, Nicole has over a decade of experience in the tourism industry, where she joins us from Destination Christchurch NZ as the Marketing Manager for one of NZ’s largest RTO’s. We sat Nicole down and asked her a few questions so you can get to know the newest member of the Maverick family (and her love of Queen and murder mysteries).

Nicole is bringing a wealth of tourism and digital experience to the Maverick family

Sum up the highlights of your tourism career to date. 

While at Tourism Holdings I had the privilege of leading the marketing for both the 125^th celebrations of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the 25^th birthday of Kiwi Experience bus tours. Being part of this important milestone for these two legendary New Zealand tourism experiences is something I will always be proud of.

At ChristchurchNZ I was part of the development and launch of the Christchurch Story, a narrative to shape and focus the promotion of the new city. I then the first joint campaign with Air New Zealand, relaunching the domestic promotion of Christchurch and inspiring New Zealanders to visit the brand-new city.

I am also extremely passionate about tourism as a career and educating young New Zealanders on the fantastic opportunities available within our industry. This has led to my involvement in the Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand, of which I have been Chair for the past 12 months.

What inspires you the most about working with Maverick Digital?

I am inspired to work with this group of extremely talented and passionate people, doing our part to drive success for the tourism industry.

What’s the career achievement are you most proud of?

Measurably changing the perceptions of Christchurch through a joint venture campaign with Air New Zealand. Getting New Zealanders inspired to reacquaint themselves with the brand-new city and driving shoulder season domestic travel.

Name the three most exciting opportunities the tourism industry is facing in 2019. 

• Embracing digital and using technology to increase sales and improve visitor experience. Happy customers and measurable results? Perfect!
• So many of our tourism operators are doing incredible things to support and grow their local people and communities. We have a massive opportunity to shine a spotlight on the non-economic value of tourism and our industry’s social license.
• Exploring new ways to share experiences together, both during and after. New ways of connecting with people.

Which elements of digital are you most excited to work on for Maverick clients. 

I am extremely passionate about a smooth and efficient customer journey, and a holistic approach to attracting, inspiring and converting visitors.

What book do you think everyone in the team should read?

In my spare time I am an 80-year-old lady who loves British murder mysteries. The queen of which is Agatha Christie, who wrote the original (and perfect!) murder mystery, Murder on the Orient Express. Drama, death and period costumes, amazing!

Name your favourite 80’s Jam.

Literally anything by Queen. But if I had to choose… it would be a tie between I Want to Break Free and Another One Bites the Dust.

Describe your best travel experience

Every time I visit Tamaki Maori Village I feel like I am part of the family. I feel incredibly welcome and will always dream about that hangi! Amazing!