Paspaley Pearl by PONANT has revealed the formation of a newly created team of industry experts, showcasing the brand’s strength in the Australian market. Aligned with the ongoing commitment to growth and innovation, these new appointments further bolster the brand’s positioning as a leader in the boutique expedition travel sector.
Paspaley Pearl by PONANT will be led by Deb Corbett, General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific and supported by Alex Stragalinos, who has been with PONANT for five years. Equipped with postgraduate studies in marketing and nearing the completion of a master’s degree in digital marketing, Stragalinos brings a decade of diverse experience in retail, reservations, sales, and marketing to the newly created role of Marketing and Sales Manager, Paspaley Pearl by PONANT.
Stragalinos will be supported by two new team members, Wendy Macfarlane and Jamie Van Jones. Macfarlane, a seasoned creative Travel Advisor brings over 30 years of experience to the newly created role of Yacht Concierge. Leveraging her extensive knowledge and industry understanding, she will promote the new bespoke product, offering travellers unique and authentic expedition experiences. Van Jones brings a wealth of knowledge as an environmental educator, sustainability advocate, expedition leader and tour guide – she will join the team as Expedition Sales Executive, representing PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT to trade partners.
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Van Jones’ accolades include being recognised as the Top Tour Guide of Australia underscoring her commitment to integrating sustainability and eco-tourism principles throughout her role.
“After months of development work, our new team is in place to support our valued trade partners in offering this incredible 30-guest boutique expedition motor yacht to their clients. It’s an exciting chapter of growth as we continue to lead the way in innovation,” remarked Corbett.
“I look forward to working with Alex and the team as we blend the legacies of two globally renowned names, PASPALEY and PONANT.”“We will be searching for another Yacht Concierge to join Wendy on 1 July 2024, followed by the creation of an operations role to be announced in September this year,” Corbett added of the team’s planned growth.
“Expanding the teams across the business and creating new divisions shows the commitment that PONANT has to our industry,” Corbett said.
“This phase is incredibly exciting. We can’t wait to showcase. PASPALEY PEARL’s extensive multi-million-dollar renovation before she sets sail year-round to some of the world’s most exceptional destinations.”
PASPALEY PEARL will set sail on her inaugural 10-night expedition on 10 January 2025, promising unique encounters with whale sharks, Komodo dragons and seldom-experienced Indonesian cultures.
With industry-benchmarked technology for navigation, safety and environmentally sensitive operations, PASPALEY PEARL emerges as the newest and only boutique expedition motor yacht in the Kimberley with private balconies. Her diverse itineraries led by industry experts across the Asia Pacific region set a new standard for boutique expedition travel.
Trade partners can reach Jamie Van Jones at jvanjones@ponant.com.
See paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/ or contact the dedicated Yacht Concierge.
Lead image: Wendy Macfarlane, Yacht Concierge, Paspaley Pearl by PONANT; Deb Corbett, PONANT General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific and Alex Stragalinos, Marketing and Sales Manager, Paspaley Pearl by PONANT.
