Kakadu Tourism appoints Sam Hartley as Sales and Marketing Manager

Kakadu Tourism has appointed highly experienced hotel and tourism professional, Samantha Hartley, to the role of Sales and Marketing Manager.

Hartley is filling the role of Becca Mills, who is taking the year off on maternity leave.  

Kakadu Tourism is the largest hotel and tour operator in Kakadu National Park, operating the world-famous Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, and Cooinda Lodge and Camping in Cooinda. Kakadu Tourism also operates Yellow Water Cruises, Yellow Water Fishing, Spirit of Kakadu Adventure Tours and Warradjan Cultural Centre.  

Hartley (nee Thompson) joins the group after working on the Gold Coast for over a decade for leading hotels such as the Sofitel, Crowne Plaza and The Star Gold Coast. She has represented the IHG hotel group and also Destination Gold Coast, and has extensive experience in the corporate, conference and leisure travel sectors.  

Hartley starts her role with Kakadu Tourism after the region attracted significantly above-average visitation over the summer holiday period, despite the ongoing issues caused by the global pandemic.   

Her appointment also coincides with a massive Federal Government spending commitment to upgrade Kakadu National Park’s accessibility and tourism infrastructure.

With the extension of the Year of Indigenous Tourism into 2021, Hartley will be looking to attract groups from schools and other organisations to visit Kakadu and explore the world's oldest living culture.   

Hartley will be based in Kakadu Tourism’s Darwin offices.