Fiona Sweetman Director

Having been the face of Hidden Secrets Tours since 2004, in May 2006, Fiona independently took over ownership and full business operations of Hidden Secrets Tours. Fiona prepares an indulgent experience where everyone can find some inspiration from Melbourne’s creative enterprises.

Since working in the tourism industry, Fiona has learnt mostly on the job, and despite no start up savings, has carved a successful niche product within the Victorian Tourism arena, winning a Melbourne Award for her own cotribution to the profile of Melbourne in 2008. With still much to learn, and a sincere interest in developing the community where she now finds herself, Fiona is speaking to others and sharing her growing pains, and quirky marketing ideas.

Presentations have been made to clients/events that include:

• Big Day Out - Tourism Victoria 2010
• Shipwreck Coast AGM 2010
• Bendigo regional tourism AGM 2010
• Victoiran Tourism Alliance Student Summit March 2009
• City of Port Philip Tourism forum for March 2009
• VTIC Online Marketing panel member 2008
• Tourism Masterclass Panel member 2008
• Victorian Tourism Alliance - Tourism Excellence 2008
• City of Melbourne Program - We're all in Tourism.. 2007
• Gippsland Gourmet Country Tourism AGM 2007
• Stonnington council tourism forum 2007
• Fosters Brewing niche marketing team 2007
• "Loose yourself in Melbourne" campaign launch 2006
• Panel member of Lord Mayors Innovation Awards 2006
• Mainstreet Conference 2004, and 2007

Activities Fiona is currently involved in include:

• Founding Advisory Board Member for Lord Mayor's Commendations
• Melbourne Spring Fashion week  Advisory Board Member
• Steering committee with Melbourne's Architecture week.

In 2008, Fiona was one of more than 30 people who ran for the City Of Melbourne Council Elections, she was part of the Activate Melbourne Team. Unsucessful, Fiona's oppportunites to make change continue!

Contact Fiona for further queries

Mobile: 0418 332 027
Phone: + 61 3 96633358
Email:   fiona@hiddensecretstours.com

Fiona's earlier years have a strong french influence, including several years working in Normandy and later serving guests in Melbourne's favourite french restaurants, but an array of experiences have lead to a career in tourism. As a school leaver Fiona worked and managed a variety of specialty retail stores: manchester, recycled clothing, and stationary/gift stores. For over a decade she ran her own business, Sweetman Designs, making wedding dresses and a photography service to match. Producing promotional products and uniforms took her to the local ski industry and later to handle corporate representation projects. However a search for a more community based occupation, a love of unique styling and passion for customer service led the way back to specialty and destination retailing.