DESTINATION specialist and cruise advocate Natalie Godward has started her own consulting company, Saltando Consulting, which will operate within the cruise and travel sectors. Godward, who last week finished up with the Port Authority of New South Wales after more than five years, is hoping to contract to cruise destinations...
DESTINATION specialist and cruise advocate Natalie Godward has started her own consulting company, Saltando Consulting, which will operate within the cruise and travel sectors.
Godward, who last week finished up with the Port Authority of New South Wales after more than five years, is hoping to contract to cruise destinations around Australia and the South Pacific, helping bridge the gap between communities and the industry.
The ACA board member has been at the forefront of the sector’s expansion in Eden and New South Wales’ South Coast, and as sustainable cruise development permeates throughout the industry, Godward is keen to help other destinations around the country, particularly in rural Australia, expand their presence in a responsible manner.
“I think that ability to bring the two together in a really humble and respectful and collaborative way… there needs to be mutual collaboration and respect,” Godward said.
“To bridge that gap isn’t always as easy as just walking in the front door, I think it needs somebody with knowledge and experience.
“There needs to be a bit of a ‘holding hands and skipping’ element that goes on between the two in order to have sustainable success.”
With a large number of Australian destinations keen to expand their cruise market, Godward believes Saltando can help ensure this growth is achieved comfortably.
“How to make it happen so that it works for both parties long into the future, what that looks like,” she explained.
“It’s all about finding the sweet spot between the two to make it sustainable in the long term.”
From the outset Godward will contract to the ACA, continuing to support its membership at workshops throughout Australia.
She is also doing some work in rural New South Wales which is not cruise-aligned.
“I’m open to new opportunities, and not targeting any specific business or place or company or community,” Godward said.
“I just think the opportunities will come up…cruise lines want places to go that are great, and communities want visitation that is sustainable and respectful.”
Godward does not yet have an active website nor social media presence, but is encouraging interested parties to reach out to her at nat@saltando-consulting.com. MS
