Greg Long – General Manager, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Greg Long, born Gregory David Long in Baulkham Hills, Sydney, is a seasoned hospitality leader with over two decades of experience in hospitality management Australia and the Pacific. Since January 2022, he has served as General Manager of the award-winning Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort in the Cook Islands, where he has led one of the most significant post-pandemic resort revitalizations in the region. The resort has transformed from a 3.5-star property to a 5-star guest-rated destination on TripAdvisor, with Booking.com and Expedia ratings now exceeding 9/10. Following a two-year Covid closure and severe staffing shortages, he oversaw a complete operational rebuild, implementing a long-term vision for both guest experience and business performance. Major achievements during his tenure include: Redevelopment & Infrastructure Upgrades: Construction of the Bounty Restaurant & Infinity Pool complex, new reception and lobby, new spa, gym, and activities centre, extensive landscaping, and renovation of staff accommodation. Facilities Expansion: Introduction of bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards for all guests; upgrade of transport fleet to include golf carts, trucks, and heavy equipment to improve operational efficiency; purchase of a second ferry for both guests and logistics. Technology Integration: Deployment of Opera PMS, Simphony POS, and NetSuite ERP for seamless operations; installation of a 32-camera CCTV system. Accommodation Enhancements: Conversion of two rooms into premium Infinity Pool Villas, with ongoing room refurbishments. Sustainability Initiatives: Establishment of a resort farm to supply fresh produce and a coral restoration programme involving local school students. Greg’s leadership style is grounded in foresight, team empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction. He believes in placing the right people in the right roles, equipping them with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed, and fostering an inclusive workplace where ideas are shared and implemented. His management philosophy combines analytical thinking with practical, on-the-ground involvement to ensure both exceptional guest experiences and strong financial results. Before his role in Aitutaki, Greg held senior management positions across the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Australia, including Group Food & Beverage Manager for The Rarotongan Beach Resort group, Director of Food & Beverage at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort’s Sails in the Desert Hotel, and leadership roles at Fitzroy Island Resort, Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, and several other island and remote luxury destinations. While his work is his primary focus, Greg values cultural exploration and aims to travel annually to experience new cuisines, histories, and traditions. Having spent the past eight years in the Cook Islands, Greg anticipates that his future career will bring him back to Australia in a high-end resort leadership capacity, building on the extensive operational, cultural, and strategic expertise he has developed in the Pacific.