WILDERNESS GUEST EXPERIENCE MANAGER

TANIA ACKERMAN

Meet Tania Ackerman, boasting over two decades of invaluable expertise at Wilderness. In her role, she exemplifies steadfast dedication to guest satisfaction and environmental stewardship. As a driving force behind the Guest Experience Liaison team, Tania ensures every guest enjoys unparalleled support and service, from arrival.

Tania began her journey with Wilderness in 2004, and, given her passion for diving and the bush, initially specialised in North Island and Indian Ocean destinations. From a Travel Designer within the Explorations team, she seamlessly transitioned into Sales, fostering relationships with Inbound and Private Guide agents, while evolving her role over the years.

Motivated by guest feedback and years of sales experience, Tania took the opportunity to enhance Wilderness’ guest support and elevate its DMC offerings. This vision culminated in the creation of the Guest Experience Liaison team, which started with two members and has since grown to an impressive 20, including an exceptional Emergency After-Hours service.

As Guest Experience Liaisons, Tania and her team ensure guests feel supported from arrival to departure, handling all needs and special requests, with roles akin to a concierge or personal assistant. Affectionately known as GELs, they are our superheroes of guest satisfaction.

For Tania, Wilderness represents more than a job; it’s about making a positive impact. Her extensive visits to camps and regions have not only inspired her role, but also fuelled her growth within the company.

Leading by example, she fosters an environment of love, kindness, and support for colleagues, animals, wider communities, and the planet at large. Echoing David Attenborough’s sentiment that nature is our greatest ally and inspiration, she advocates for environmental education and stewardship through Wilderness’ enduring impact.

In her words, “We are all part of this beating soul called Wilderness, striving to create a better world for future generations. Two decades on and going strong; this is a career path I couldn’t be prouder of or more fulfilled by”.