'Dream job' for new Southern Discoveries conference and incentive sales manager

The latest staff member for South Island tourism operator, Southern Discoveries, is loving her ‘dream job’ based in the resort town of Queenstown.

Linda Lohmeijer, 25, had always wanted to come to New Zealand from her home country, the Netherlands.

“While working in the hotel industry in the Netherlands, I met some really lovely Kiwis and heard so much about the country, so I really wanted to come to New Zealand,” she says.

After working in the meetings, conference and events sector of five-star hotels in the Netherlands and at Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa, Linda has now joined Southern Discoveries as its conference and incentive sales manager.

Her new role sees her working with the meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) sector, primarily creating unique events on Southern Discoveries’ catamaran Spirit of Queenstown and at Mt Nicholas High Country Farm.

Smaller groups of up to 30 guests can be catered for on the company’s Queenstown Discovery vessel which runs scenic cruises around Lake Wakatipu and into Frankton Arm, and Linda’s role also extends to offering client experiences in stunning Milford Sound.

“These are all absolutely amazing products which almost sell themselves making it a delight to promote them to the MICE market,” she says.

“The very best way to experience Queenstown or Milford Sound is from the water because whichever way you look, the backdrops are stunning, simply incredible.

“I’ve absolutely fallen in love with New Zealand and Queenstown and can appreciate what it means for our visitors to come here and have the best experiences possible.”


Conference and Incentives Sales Manager Linda Lohmeijer. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

Linda’s passion for Queenstown and her enthusiasm for her new role has been welcomed by Southern Discoveries director of sales and marketing Julia Savill.

“Linda has an outstanding background, working with one of the biggest and best properties overseas, and in Queenstown, all at a five-star level,” she says. 

“When it comes to creativity, customer service and delivery of memorable events for conference organisers and their clients, Linda has both the skills and experience to excel.

“The conference and incentive market continues to grow for us and the future is looking positive. The challenge is to continue to think outside the box to deliver events with innovation and flair in the exclusive, unique and stand-out locations we have to offer.”

Spirit of Queenstown has operated exclusive cruises to Mt Nicholas on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu since late 2013. The 26m high-speed catamaran is a bespoke, purpose-built venue for gatherings of up to 130 people.

The woolshed at Mt Nicholas is an inspiring and versatile venue for corporate events, exclusive dinners and weddings as well as team building exercises – from orienteering to claybird shooting and helicopter adventures.