Lucy Ockleston, cluster general manager for the TFE Hotels Northern Territories, never fails to brace the day head-on. From switching from high-level tasks like forecasting to tidying up the lobby, Ockleston always finds her hands full.
When the cluster general manager position became available, Ockleston felt it was a natural progression after spending 12 years within TFE Hotels.
She currently manages three brands under TFE Hotels in Darwin: Travelodge Hotels, Adina Hotels and Vibe Hotels. Through these positions, she has been offered variety while remaining challenged.
With the Northern Territories heading into peak season, Ockleston has worked tirelessly to prepare, strategically recruiting the right talent to take the hotels to the next level.
“The market can be challenging in Darwin not only for the seasonality but because of our location in the north of the country,” explained Ockleston.
“Encouragingly, our local tourism industry engages with airlines and airports to increase the frequency of flights to the region and the whole region is supportive of initiatives to drive tourism.”
All three hotels vary in aesthetics, with the Vibe offering traditional hotel rooms and the Adina supplying more spacious alternatives. The recently refurbished Travelodge Resort is best for vacations, surrounded by palm trees and a deep blue pool.
Although she raised concerns about the industry's future, Ockleston faces the problem head-on by continuously attracting and retaining new employees who provide great service.
TFE Hotels strives to make strategic partnerships that push the tourism industry forward.
“Encouragingly, our local tourism industry engages with airlines and airports to increase the frequency of flights to the region,” said Ockleston.
“The whole region is supportive of initiatives to drive tourism.”
In the upcoming months, Ockleston looks forward to managing these properties and engaging with the teams that work in Australia’s tropical north.
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