Attraction World names new chief as two senior leaders depart
Attraction World Group chief executive Olly Nicholls (pictured top right) and chief commercial officer Justin Mahoney (pictured bottom right) are both set to leave the business. Nicholls will depart after six years having led AWG through the pandemic, which he described as both "a professional and personal test". He will step away to welcome a new baby and focus on his growing family "before diving into the next challenge". Mahoney, meanwhile, rejoined Attraction World in November 2019 shortly after Nicholls arrived and was promoted to the brand's executive team in January 2021. He is credited with widening the group's distribution partnerships, and said AWG was "positioned for long-term success". Neither Nicholls or Mahoney have hinted at their next moves. AWG said it wanted to thank Nicholls and Mahoney for their dedication and wished them well in their future endeavours AWG initially said chief financial officer Joe Hyland (pictured left) and chief operating officer Isabel Beckermann would “lead AWG into its next phase of growth”. However, a day later, the group said Hyland had been appointed chief executive and would take over with immediate effect.
MSC Cruises hires former Balkan Holidays RSM
MSC Cruises has recruited former Balkan Holidays regional sales manager Natasha Smith, who joins the line in a similar role supporting agents in the Midlands and central region. The ocean cruise line said Smith's appointment came at a pivotal time as it seeks to boost trade engagement across the region. “Her enthusiasm, industry insight and proven track record in account management will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our trade partnerships and expand our distribution across the region,” said MSC's head of retail, homeworking and tour operations Alyshia Bartlett. Balkan Holidays confirmed it was closing its UK operation in April.
Agency recruits experienced account manager drive gift card business
Inspire Europe has recruited former Newmarket Holidays account manager, Freya Sutcliffe, to head up its gift card division. Sutcliffe will join the Cheshire-based agency in June as head of sales and business development, UK and Europe, for reward and recognition and "spearhead" its gift card operation, which accounts for 20% of Inspire's overall business. Sutcliffe started her career in travel with Garstang Travel and has held sales, business development and account management roles with the likes of Super Break, Jet2holidays and TTC Tour Brands. Inspire chief executive Lisa Henning said Sutcliffe would bring nearly 25 years of "exceptional experience" to her new role, which she claimed has earned her "recognition and respect across the sector", as well as "remarkable drive and infections energy". Sutcliffe, who said she saw "tremendous" potential for growth in the gift card sector, added: “This new role represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for me, and I'm eager to begin contributing to Inspire's continued success."
Riviera picks up former Carnival Cruise Line key account manager
Riviera Travel has appointed Danielle Kerton as its new key account manager for the Midlands. Kerton joins Riviera from Carnival Cruise Line, where she held a similar role up until mid-May, when Carnival Corporation decided to close the line's UK office. In her new role, TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus Kerton will into Riviera national sales manager Claire Hills. “Danielle brings not only solid account management and on-the-road experience, but also oodles of passion, fun and energy – qualities that perfectly reflect Riviera’s values and our vision for trade partnerships moving forward,” said head of trade and partnerships Vicky Billing. “With recent changes affecting a highly skilled travel trade community, we recognise an incredible opportunity to welcome exceptional talent into Riviera Travel."
New WestJet representative in the UK market
WestJet's general sales agent, APG UK, has named Stuart Challis as the Canadian carrier's new key account manager for the UK market. Challis brings nearly a decade's experience with APG to his new role, most recently promoting the firm's interline electronic ticketing product, and two decades' aviation sector expertise. WestJet currently serves the UK from Heathrow, Gatwick and Edinburgh, flying to Calgary, Toronto, Halifax and St John's. Alan Daniels, APG's director sales and operations UK and Ireland, said Challis's deep industry knowledge, professionalism and dedication made him an "ideal ambassador" for WestJet in the UK. Challis added: "I look forward to working closely with the WestJet team and the UK travel trade to further build on the strong foundation already in place."
Tui's Belinda Vazquez to leave operator after more than 25 years
Belinda Vazquez is to leave Tui UK and Ireland after more than a quarter of a century next month "to pursue a fresh challenge outside the company". Vazquez originally joined Tui, then Thomson, as a trading assistant. She will remain in her post as director of customer sales and service until the end of June. She is credited with leading Tui’s retail team through the pandemic and setting up its now 200-strong homeworking division. Director of marketing and sales Bart Quinton Smith described Vazquez as a "driving force" who had made a positive impact on everyone she worked with. "Her passion and tenacity will be missed by everyone at Tui and we wish her the very best for her future endeavours," said Quinton Smith. Vazquez has held roles with Tui across commercial, purchasing, aviation, sales and distribution.
Promotion for Travelpack product specialist
Travelpack has promoted Suzanna Barrow to director of product and operations. Barrow joined the brand as a reservations specialist in 2018, before moving into product as product manager and latterly operations and product manager. "Now I’m stepping into this new leadership chapter," said Barrow in a post to LinkedIn confirming her promotion. "This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and trust of Vishal and Ashok Patel – thank you both for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to grow." Barrow also paid tribute to the "inspirational" Travelpack team. "Your dedication, teamwork and energy have been the driving force behind everything we’ve accomplished together" she added. "I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to build, innovate and grow." Barrow started her career in travel with Thomas Cook, and went on to hold roles with First Choice, Norad Travel, Flight Centre, Funway Holidays and Inspiring Travel Company.
InteleTravel's new hire tasked with driving up professionalism
InteleTravel has appointed Alex Brown to a newly-created training manager position. Brown joins the homeworking outfit from Great Little Breaks parent Hotelshop. In his new role, Brown will work on training strategy for agents, reporting directly to UK and Ireland managing director Tricia Handley-Hughes. “We're committed to helping agents become even more professional and to increase their productivity and average booking values," said Handley-Hughes.
Uganda Airlines backs Gatwick launch with new representative
Audrey Jastrzembskis has returned to APG UK to support the launch of Uganda Airlines' new Gatwick-Entebbe route this month. The carrier will operate the route four times a week using Airbus A330-800neo aircraft, and has pledged to engaged the UK travel trade. Jastrzembskis's more than 25-year career in aviation started as a sales agent with Varig Airlines in Brazil, and she has gone on to hold roles in ticketing, reservations, travel consulting, sales, business development and cargo. She previously worked with general sales manager APG in Brazil. Alan Daniels, director of sales and operations for APG UK and Ireland, said Jastrzembskis – known among the team as Audrey J – brought "a wealth of experience and knowledge" to her new role with APG. "Her industry insight and strong customer-centric approach will be invaluable as we grow Uganda Airlines' presence in the UK market," Daniels added. Jastrzembskis said she hoped to capitalise on the "real sense of momentum" following the London route launch. "I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with our trade partners," she added.
30 Under 30 alumnus Becky Robertson gets promoted
Quark Expeditions has promoted TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus Becky Robertson to senior director of sales for the EMEA region and China. An industry veteran with more than 10 years of experience, Robertson joined the polar expedition specialist in September 2023 as director of sales EMEA. Prior to joining, she held relevant roles at the likes of the Travel Corporation, Contiki Holidays and Thomas Cook. Robertson’s LinkedIn update was welcomed by many in the industry, including Clia UK and Ireland managing director Andy Harmer and Contiki Holidays chief executive Adam Armstrong and Expedition Cruise Network boss Akvile Marozaite.
