Kenneth Bryan, the Cayman Islands’ minister of tourism, was elected chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tuesday at the group’s annual general meeting in Grand Cayman. As part of his new duties, Bryan assumes the chairmanship of CTO’s Council of Ministers for the next two years, replacing Lisa Cummins, outgoing chairman and Barbados’ minister of tourism.“I’m honored and excited to take over the mantle of the CTO chairmanship,” Bryan said. “I recognize, like all other members, that there needs to be some reform and restructuring, particularly with respect to air travel and marketing,” he said.ADVERTISINGMORE People Bryan added, “I’m ready to take on the challenge, in collaboration with my regional colleagues, of finding a new way forward [and] addressing any issues we have within the organization to improve efficiency and focus.”Long the primary group marketing and promoting travel to Caribbean destinations, CTO closed regional offices in New York and London in 2019. The organization has traditionally played a key role in compiling statistics and research on Caribbean travel.In addition to the office closures, CTO’s leaders launched a “comprehensive audit” of its Barbados headquarters to “significantly reduce operational expenditures.”Bryan praised Cummins for overseeing CTO’s chairmanship during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Thank you to former chairman Lisa Cummins for the hard work that she did over a very difficult period, particularly in managing a very important organization when the whole region was dealing with difficulties in tourism, brought on by the pandemic,” said Bryan.Under Bryan’s leadership Rosa Harris, the Cayman Islands director of tourism, will serve as chairman of CTO’s Board of Directors for the next two years. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Delaney will be a support system for travel agents and advisors working with Lindblad.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., a global leader of small ship expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, announced today it has named John Delaney as Senior Vice President, Global Sales, effective immediately.Mr. Delaney’s inspiring career includes thirty+ years in leadership roles in the hospitality and cruise industry. Most recently he served as President of Windstar Cruises, with management oversight for all aspects of worldwide operations for the line. He also served as Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Sales for Seabourn Cruise Line; Vice President of Revenue Marketing for Holland America Line, and Director of Special Projects for Carnival Corporation. Trending Now Prior to his cruise experience, Mr. Delaney held senior roles at The Walt Disney Company and The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant Group. He has served on various non-profit Board of Directors and currently serves on the board of The Seattle Aquarium and New York based Reach the World. He also serves on the College of Hospitality Advisory Board for California State University at Long Beach.In his role with Lindblad Expeditions, Mr. Delaney will lead their travel advisor, group, charter, and wholesale sales efforts, as well as develop new capabilities in revenue management. He will also be leading the company’s international sales growth, working to expand Lindblad’s reach around the globe.“John’s appointment underscores our commitment to building a world class team as we continue to grow our fleet and adventure travel experiences around the world,” stated Dolf Berle CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “His proven leadership, industry expertise and business acumen will add immeasurably in building the sales platform globally as we execute on our growth strategy.”“I have been fortunate in my career to work for some of the world's best brands and I am incredibly honored to be joining Lindblad, the undisputed leader in authentic expedition travel,” said John Delaney. “It is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to helping them achieve their vision and growth plans.” SOURCE: Lindblad Expeditions press release. Adblock test (Why?)

Grenada’s Tourism Authority (GTA) named a new board of directors, part of a series of changes in the government’s tourism leadership following the June election of Dickon Mitchell as prime minister.Those changes included the appointment of Lennox Andrews as Grenada’s minister with responsibility for tourism. Andrews replaced Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen.ADVERTISINGGTA’s 11-member board of directors will be chaired by entrepreneur Randall Dolland, a former director of the Grenada Board of Tourism who also previously served as sales and marketing for Grenada’s Flamboyant Hotel. The new board members include Dr. George Vincent, deputy chairman; Orlando Romain; Dr. Charles Modica of St. George’s University; Allison Caton, legislative representative for Carriacou & Petite Martinique; Janelle Hopkin, president and managing director of Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort; Jacqueline Alexis and Marlon Glean.MORE People Membership seats were also created for Grenada’s permanent secretary for economic development, planning, tourism, and creative economy and representatives from Grenada’s Chamber of Commerce and the Grenada Taxi Association. GTA did not provide details on who would fill the seats.“This new board of directors represents several sectors of the industry, all of which have a critical input into delivering a progressive, forward-thinking end product,” GTA officials said in a statement.Officials added, “Their diverse and innovative leadership approach will ensure the creation of long-term sustainable strategies to grow the commercial and developmental interests of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”Dolland holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance, from SUNY Stony Brook in the USA.“I’m truly honored to serve as board chairman as for many years,” Dolland said in the GTA statement. “I’ve been a stakeholder in this industry and can intimately relate to the challenges currently impacting the industry.”Dolland added, “In this role, I look forward to partnering with all stakeholders and strategic partners to move our tourism agenda forward.” Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Dave Riley, currently group CFO, will assume CEO role, furthering the global growth strategy of the Great Rail Journeys family of brands. --Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing EditorVacations By Rail, the U.S.-based operation of the Great Rail Journeys family of brands, announced that Dave Riley has been appointed CEO for the global entity, which includes York-based Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries, as well as Chicago-based Vacations By Rail. The Great Rail Journeys family of brands serve as the world’s leading provider of escorted holidays by rail, offering more than 200 escorted and independent rail and river cruise vacation packages to 50+ countries worldwide. Riley’s appointment will further the company’s global growth agenda. “I am delighted to announce Dave Riley as the new Chief Executive of Great Rail Journeys. Dave has proven to be an outstanding leader since joining the business and his experience – both with the company and from his previous positions—made him the standout candidate,” said Charles Gurassa, Chairman of the Board. “He brings deep financial, digital and operational expertise to the role and has worked successfully with several private equity groups. Under his guidance the Great Rail Journeys family of brands has an exciting future ahead.”Riley joined the company in October 2018, leading Finance, Operations, IT and HR functions across the U.K. and U.S. businesses. In his time, Riley helped the company establish its river cruise offering and expand its North American strategy. His appointment will fuel the global growth agenda for the portfolio of brands. Prior to Great Rail Journeys, Riley held leadership positions with Total Fitness, Good Hair Day (GHD) and Under Armour. Dave Riley’s appointment is part of Peter Liney’s planned decision to step down from the role after nine years as CEO. SOURCE: Vacations by Rail press release. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Adam Greis has been promoted to General Manager of Central Holidays. --Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing EditorTo further the leading travel brand’s growth goals, Central Holidays announced changes in the organizational structure of the company. Adam Greis, who since 2017 has been responsible for directing the Group Travel Experiences brand, has been promoted to General Manager of Central Holidays. Greis will be responsible for leading the company in its expansion initiatives, working closely with the company’s Board of Directors which is headed by Tewfik Ghattas, who also serves as Chief Financial Officer of Sakkara Group International (SGI) – the parent company of Central Holidays that is chaired by Baher Ghabbour, Chairman of SGI. Any changes of this nature require analysis and a transition for the company's leadership structure overall. As part of the realignment, Maria Jose Merino, Vice President of Operations for Central Holidays will take on an expanded role to include the overall direction of Product Development. Under the new structure, Marco Evangelista serves as Sales Director for the Central Holidays brands and Margie Bell continues to serve as Vice President of Sales.“All of the initiatives we’ve undertaken are key to the growth of our global brand in this our ‘Passion for Travel’ 50th Anniversary Year,” said Ghattas. “I am confident that through these changes and with the collective efforts of our entire team we will continue to deliver our outstanding affordable luxury travel programs to as we advance and scale the Central Holidays brand.”“Over the past couple of years, the travel industry, Central Holidays and our travel advisor partners have gone through unprecedented times and we are thrilled to say that we have come through stronger than ever. Central Holidays is strong…50 years strong in fact… and we continue proving our strength over challenging times,” said Ghabbour. “We are very pleased to announce this realignment that will serve to benefit our company and our travel advisor partners for the near- and long-term.”“I am thrilled about this opportunity,” said Greis. “Central Holidays remains at the forefront of the industry. The time-honored history that we enjoy along with the peace of mind and reliability we give travel advisors, and their clients is unparalleled, which is truly key in this new era of travel. I look forward to growing our partner relationships at Central Holidays, and to increase our market position to our core destinations as well as to an expanded range of new destinations that travelers are yearning to discover in the signature Central Holidays way." SOURCE: Central Holidays press release. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Springer brings nearly three decades of invaluable sales and marketing experience in the cruise industry with her to the new role working with travel advisors.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor Atlas Ocean Voyages announced the appointment of Tanya Springer as the yacht-style cruise brand’s Vice President of Sales. Tanya brings nearly 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the cruise industry and will lead Atlas’ Sales strategy, with a focus on developing, expanding and fostering Atlas’ relationships with its valued travel advisor partners.She will also support the Marketing strategy as the brand continues to grow partnerships; receive new ships; and expand deployment. MORE People “It’s a pleasure to welcome Tanya Springer as Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Vice President of Sales,” said James Rodriguez, President and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Tanya’s extensive experience in the cruise industry will be key to introducing the Atlas brand to more travel advisors and further elevating our relationships with current partners. Atlas greatly appreciates travel advisors and their critical industry role, and we will continue to support and promote them.”“I am delighted to join the Atlas Ocean Voyages management team,” said Tanya. “Atlas Ocean Voyages is a fantastic cruise vacation product, and I am looking forward to engaging with travel advisors and creating long-lasting and mutually rewarding partnerships. One of my first goals is to make Atlas even more easy and profitable for cruise sellers to do business with.”Tanya began her career at Renaissance Cruises and continued on to Oceania Cruises after a stint at Online Vacation Center, where she gained a greater understanding and appreciation of the Travel Advisor’s perspective. At both Renaissance and Oceania, she served in Sales and Marketing roles, growing National Account, International, and Field Sales. Tanya is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds an MBA.Atlas Ocean Voyages is a small-ship cruise line that provides the ultimate way to experience the world in comfortable luxury on yacht-style cruises. World Navigator, launched in August 2021, and World Traveller, launching in November 2022, both feature 98 suites and staterooms and are the line’s first two small expedition ships bringing curious global travelers to boutique and marquee destinations around the world. Three additional sister ships, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, are under construction or on order.For more information, please visit AtlasOceanVoyages.com. SOURCE: Atlas Ocean Voyages press release. Adblock test (Why?)

Since August 22, Air Canada has incorporated Günther Leudesdorf as General Manager of Mexico and Colombia. This new appointment will strengthen the company's presence in two of Latin America's most important countries.Leudesdorf highlighted the challenge this represents. “Arriving at Air Canada Mexico means great satisfaction, first of all for the honor of being able to be part of the historic commitment that the company has with the country and the region, as well as the possibility of continuing to contribute to this industry that I am so passionate about."ADVERTISINGMORE People Leudesdorf is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he started his professional career in tourism and hospitality, then he continued in the financial services industry and is currently in the process of certification in different methodologies by the Scrum Alliance, an organization that is responsible for delivering the most prestigious professional certifications with international reach.Luis Noriega, Sales Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, was in charge of warmly welcoming him, stressing that "For Air Canada it is an honor to be able to count on the talent, experience and passion that Günther will bring to the leading commercial teams in the region, as this new appointment will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth in Mexico and Colombia."Air Canada offers service from Mexico City, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas that includes destinations like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec, and Victoria. It also connects Mexico City with Frankfurt, Madrid, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, and Taipei. Air Canada also offers service from Cancun to Copenhagen, Paris, and Madrid, among others. In the case of Colombia, Air Canada connects Bogota with Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Quebec, Edmonton, and Ottawa.Canada's flag carrier said in a statement that this is how the company, recognized as "The Best Airline in North America" by the Skytrax World Airline Awards, continues to make improvements to continue its activities with the more than 1,600 daily flights to Canada, from the five continents.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

We recently caught up with Niels Olsen, Minister of Tourism for Ecuador.Olsen shares insights into Ecuador’s tourism rebound and his message to the travel advisor community. ADVERTISING TravelPulse: As the travel industry bounces back, what can you tell us about the latest on Ecuador’s tourism recovery path?Niels Olsen: Ecuador is on the right path of recovery at the moment. Our most important market is the U.S. and the number of American travelers heading to Ecuador are pretty much the same as 2019. Ecuador is doing a great job promoting the country - we have new lodges, new experiences new cruises that are waiting to be explored.TP: Being that we are here at Virtuoso Travel Week, which is synonymous with luxury travel, where does luxury tourism fit into Ecuador? NO: Well, I think Ecuador is one of those destinations that is still off the beaten path, which is great because it gives a lot of space and experiences to travelers to come out and connect with the local culture, try out the local cuisine, and have those experiences that the world is looking for –to connect with locals and try out new things. Mashpi Lodge outside of Quito, Ecuador, part of Hurtigruten's Galapagos pre- and post-cruise options. (photo via Hurtigruten Expeditions) TP: What are some of the most popular spots right now for Ecuador travel? NO: Well, you always have the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, the lowlands, the Highlands, the volcanoes, there's so many beautiful things to see right now in Ecuador that is really hard to choose only one spot. But about a few weeks ago I went scuba diving with huge manta rays in Puerto Lopez, and I think not many people know much about it. It's one of my preferred and my favorite experiences to do in Ecuador at the moment.TP: What is your message to travel advisors NO: I just saw a message saying that said travel opens hearts and I think that's right on. When travelers come to Ecuador that's what they get to experience. They connect with local families; they can stay at a family-owned Hacienda up in the highlands by the volcanoes or stay with a tribe or indigenous community or in the Amazon. I mean it really opens up a new world for travelers. Travelers hike in the Galapagos Islands For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Miranda will help guide the team providing dedicated support to the tour operator's travel advisor partners.— Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorCollette, global tour operator, today announces the appointment of Kristina Miranda to the newly created role of Vice President of National Accounts where she will be responsible for growing and developing key strategic accounts and dedicating undivided support to Collette’s travel partners in the United States.MORE People "Kristina joins the team with more than fifteen years of experience in the travel industry and is an excellent addition to our growing team dedicated to providing support to the travel advisor and partner," said Christian Leibl-Cote, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Collette. Miranda comes to Collette from The Travel Corporation (TTC) where she spent more than four years responsible for sales strategy and growth as well as managing key consortium relationships. Previously, she spent five-and-a-half years at AmaWaterways as Director of National Accounts."Collette's reputation as an established tour operator delivering excellent service and its true dedication to strong relationships in the trade space are just some of the many reasons that I am looking forward to joining this phenomenal team," said Kristina Miranda, incoming Vice President of National Accounts at Collette.Visit collette.com for more information. SOURCE: Collette press release. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Scenic Group anticipates future growth with new promotions and appointments. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulseScenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises, continues to strengthen its global leadership team with the addition of two highly-regarded industry veterans and internal promotions.As Scenic Group looks to increase its fleet of luxury and ultra-luxury yachts, it has looked to beef up its ocean team and recently recruited luxury tourism industry professional Claudius Docekal, who has joined the global senior leadership team as Vice President of Product – Ocean. This key strategic hire is part of a larger restructure which enables the business to achieve its ambitious future growth plans. Docekal joins Scenic Group with more than 30 years of industry experience. His most recent role was vice president, deployment at Crystal Cruises where he oversaw the Crystal Yacht & Expedition Cruises brands. Prior to this he held senior positions at Azamara Club Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club. To further support the ambitious growth plans and with the arrival next year of two new ocean yachts - Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Sakara - Scenic Group has also hired Bert Goebel as Vice President of Hotel Operations – Ocean. Goebel joins the business from Crown & Champa Resort Hotel Group in the Maldives and has many years hotel operations experience working for various cruise lines such as Oceania, Regent and Aida to name a few and will report to Mark Robinson Senior Vice President of Operations.Besides the hiring of Docekal and Goebel, Scenic Group is delighted to announce the internal promotion of Elisabeth Sadler to Vice President of Product – Rivers. Having joined the group back in 2014 as part of the initial Emerald Cruises start up team, Sadler will move to oversee all river product on behalf of both Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and report to Rob Voss, Scenic Group’s Chief Operating Officer.Voss commented: “Claudius joins us at a very exciting time, as we continue to focus on growth in global markets and our unwavering delivery of first-class guest experiences across our cruising portfolio. Elisabeth has been instrumental in the development of the Emerald Cruises brand showcasing best in class product development. Her passion and knowledge for river cruising ensures we will continue to innovate and stay ahead of the competition. I look forward to working very closely with them both over the coming months.”Two additional promotions names Director Marine Operations Captain James Griffiths as the new Vice President of Marine & Port Operations and Sepp Dendl, who was previously Director of Hotel Operations – Rivers, to Vice President of Hotel Operations – Rivers. Both Griffiths and Dendl will continue to report to Mark Robinson.Robinson offered his own praise, “I’m delighted that Bert has joined the group just as we double our ocean capacity from two ocean vessels to four in 2023. Goebel brings a wealth of operational knowledge to the group having previously worked for the past four years in the luxury hotel sector and prior to that, holding various senior operational roles in luxury cruises lines for the past 25 years. Goebel will lead our onboard operational teams ensuring our award-winning service continues to develop and deliver the ‘wonder’ to our guests and enhance our service offerings on our ocean fleet.”Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, and Mayflower Cruises & Tours has grown over its 36-year history to include award-winning, river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations covering all seven continents. Since 2008, Scenic has set the benchmark for truly all-inclusive, five-star river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™, a 228-guest ultra-luxury ship, and plans to deliver a second yacht of the same category, Scenic Eclipse II, in 2023. Emerald Cruises has nine branded Star-Ships offering river sailings across Europe and on the Mekong. In March 2022, Emerald Azzurra was the first oceangoing yacht to launch under the Emerald Cruises brand—a 100-guest luxury yacht that will sail the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Red seas. In 2023 a second yacht, Emerald Sakara, will launch.Scenic can be found on Twitter at @ScenicLuxury, on Facebook as ScenicCruises and on Instagram as Scenic.luxurycruisestours, while Emerald Cruises can be found on Twitter at @emerald_cruises, on Facebook as EmeraldCruisesGlobal and on Instagram as @EmeraldCruises.global. SOURCE: Scenic Group press release. Adblock test (Why?)