The CaPTA Group continues to show confidence in the face of the pandemic and the unknown tourism landscape with the appointment of well-known tourism and hospitality leader Paolo Gambino moving into the role of Business Development Manager.

CaPTA Group Managing Director Peter Woodward said that the addition of Paolo as the Business Development Manager will be pivotal to continue our growth and development through what has been an extremely challenging 12 months.

Paolo Gambino joins both the CaPTA Group Sales team and Careers Training Centre bringing extensive experience in management across well-known hospitality brands including Palm Royale Cairns, Oaks Hotels & Resorts and Accor Hotels in a career spanning over 20 years.

Mr Gambino said returning to the region feels like somewhat of a homecoming after being away for almost five years.

“The CaPTA Group has always been a reputable family-oriented company with wonderful offerings - knowing the directors both professionally and personally, the move it felt right.

“I was keen to come aboard to build business on the training side of things,” he said.

In his new position he will be liaising with schools to further strengthen CaPTA’s relationships and provide them with educational opportunities at their attractions, as well as training opportunities through the groups Careers Training Centre.

A long-held focus for CaPTA has been training young staff who are new to the industry or the workforce, something that will be needed as we rebound from the COVID crisis that the tourism industry and region has been navigating through.

Mr Gambino said he is looking forward to utilising his years of experience to provide trainees the opportunity of getting prepared for placement within the CaPTA Group and the broader tourism and hospitality operation in the region.

“The reality is that we have fantastic trainers and great courses here, I will be able to use my contacts to better attract the appropriate places and people for placement.

“I look forward to collaborating with industry colleagues and to training new industry professionals into the future,” he said.

Mr Gambino brings with him an invaluable amount of knowledge of the industry along with a Bachelor of Education and the ability to communicate in English, Italian and Japanese, Paolo will also be able to engage with students to deliver accredited training.