Greece and Cyprus specialist Olympic on Thursday (12 December) confirmed Vinales had left the business after seven years, including four as managing director.
He told TTG: “I’ve not thought much about what I want to do next. I would definitely consider consultancy work for a tour operator or in aviation. That’s my background.”
Asked if he had been approached by any potential employers, Vinales insisted he would take a two-week holiday with his family in his home country of Gibraltar before deciding his next move.
“There will be opportunities out there,” he said. “I have a lot of experience, contacts and knowledge – and I would love to pass it all on.”
Vinales said successfully guiding Olympic through the pandemic and recruiting a “fantastic” team were among his best and proudest achievements with the brand.
He added: “I’m happy. I’m looking for a new opportunity – it’s time for a change. I would like to stay in the travel industry. I enjoyed my time at Olympic Holidays thoroughly. My departure was very amicable.”
Vinales, who has more than 43 years’ travel industry experience, joined Olympic in November 2017 as director of sales and marketing before being promoted to managing director in January 2020.
Olympic Holidays chair George Michalias hailed Vinales for “dedicated himself to leading the team with passion and commitment” and for his “invaluable contributions” in an email to staff announcing the move.
The tour operator has confirmed a search to find Vinales’ replacement is under way.
