Wouter Nel has returned to Travelstart as Head of Sales for the group’s offline B2C division, bringing more than 21 years of experience in the travel industry.
Nel previously spent nearly seven years heading up Sales and Marketing for Air Mauritius and earlier served as Area Leader for Flight Centre’s niche brands. He originally joined Travelstart in 2008 as Direct Sales Manager, where he founded and developed Travelbar, establishing it as the group’s offline division. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spent five years leading the commercial team for DHL in the Western Cape.
In his new role, Nel will focus on driving growth and performance across Travelstart’s agent-led sales channels, with a strong emphasis on scaling revenue, improving conversion and enhancing the customer experience across offline touchpoints, including flights and tailor-made and all-inclusive holidays.
“Wouter’s return marks a full-circle moment for Travelstart,” said Hannah Ekberg, Head of Growth B2C. “As the founder of our offline journey, he brings a powerful mix of customer obsession and true Travelstart DNA – exactly what we need as we double down on brand-led growth.”
Boardwalk Hotel & Casino appoints new GM
Sisulu Madondo has been appointed Boardwalk Hotel & Casino’s new GM, effective March 1.
Madondo has 26 years of experience in gaming and hospitality, starting out as a Trainee Gaming Technician at Sun International’s Morula Sun. He has also managed the Peermont Group’s Frontier Inn and Casino as well as its Mmabatho Palms Hotel Casino Convention Resort before returning to Sun International in 2022 as its first Gaming Manager at Meropa Casino and then Slots Manager at Sibaya Casino in 2024.
Madondo was also part of the team that launched Boardwalk Casino in 2000. “I am very excited to be back at this remarkable property in the friendly city. I lived here for 10 years before moving back to Johannesburg. I consider my 10 years in Gqeberha to be the best years of my youth. It is such an honour and privilege for me to now be leading the Boardwalk team,” said Madondo.
