WHY IT RATES: Steve Bailey brings with him significant experience in the restaurant, hospitality and tourism industries.— Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorVisit Panama City Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of industry-veteran Steve Bailey as Vice President of Sales. A Panama City Beach native, Bailey previously served as Director of Sales & Operations for a local hospitality group for over 20 years and has garnered extensive experience in the restaurant, hospitality and tourism industries.MORE People “I am honored to join the incredible team at Visit Panama City Beach,” says Steve Bailey. “As Vice President of Sales for the destination, I look forward to representing my hometown and further elevating Panama City Beach’s group meetings and conventions initiatives.”In addition to Panama City Beach, Bailey brings prior hospitality experience from locations including Destin, FL, Jackson, MS and Birmingham, AL. He is a graduate of Bay High School, The University of Alabama and The Bert Rodgers Real Estate School and is an active member of the local community. Bailey serves on the Board of Directors of the Children's Home Society, Leadership Bay, Panama City Beach Chamber, Bay County Chamber of Commerce, and is a past board member and chairman for the Bay County Tourist Development Council. SOURCE: Visit Panama City Beach press release. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Silverman brings more than two decades of experience in hotel and resort sales to his new role. — Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorAtlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas appoints Steven M. Silverman as Senior Vice President of Sales. In this role, Silverman will develop and lead the group and leisure transient sales team by setting goals to achieve revenue targets.An industry veteran, Silverman brings to Atlantis over two decades of experience as the Director of Sales for hotels and resorts in Florida and the Caribbean. Most recently, he led sales initiatives at Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fl., where he was responsible for over $110 million in group, convention, and banquet revenues. He also successfully shifted market share from established competitors for a $26 million revenue increase. MORE People Prior to his role at Diplomat Beach Resort, Silverman served as Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Villages, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, and as Director of Sales at The Fontainebleau Hilton Resort and The Roney Palace Beach Resort."Steven is an incredible addition to the Atlantis team, and we are so happy to welcome him," said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island. "His success and extensive experience in the region along with his passion for the industry are evident, and we're excited for him to lead our sales team to new heights."Silverman received his associate degree in business administration and management at the University of Florida before attending the New School for Social Research, where he studied culinary arts training and hotel and hospitality management. "I am delighted to bring my experience to the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island and join the wonderful team here that makes the resort the most remarkable in the world," said Silverman. "I look forward to furthering the growth of the resort alongside the best in the business." SOURCE: Atlantis Paradise Island press release. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: The move is part of a broader organizational realignment aimed at supporting rapid growth in the U.S. market. — Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorMSC Cruises USA has announced Koreen McNutt will join the cruise line as Senior Vice President & Commercial Sales Officer on August 1, 2022.MORE People McNutt will lead trade sales and relations efforts, collaborating with the commercial and leadership teams to continue building these important relationships. Reporting to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer Lynn Torrent, McNutt’s new role is part of a broader organizational realignment to integrate commercial functions and support rapid growth in the U.S. market.McNutt’s impressive career includes 16 years at Expedia Group, where she most recently served as Senior Director of Global Supply. Prior to that, she spent 13 years at Holland America Line/Windstar Cruises leading complex product and project management. Known as a well-respected cruise industry leader, McNutt has also served on several cruise line Travel Agent Advisory Boards, including MSC Cruises.Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “We are thrilled for Koreen to join the MSC Cruises family and bring her deep knowledge and expertise to our ambitious growth plans for the U.S. market. I’m confident Koreen’s history as an accomplished leader in global sales, operations and account management makes her the right person to support and grow our valued relationships with travel advisors and sales partners.” SOURCE: MSC Cruises press release. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: The 20-year industry veteran, who previously served as Vice President of Sales at GOGO Vacations, is tasked with driving National Account Sales in Canada and the U.S. — Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior EditorNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 55-year history of breaking boundaries, today announced Brennan Quesnele as Vice President of Strategic and National Accounts, succeeding Glen Rothe who will champion a new division that will focus on identifying and implementing new and creative sales opportunities, channels and strategies.MORE People Quesnele, who will be responsible for driving National Account Sales in Canada and the U.S., joins NCL as it prepares to welcome Norwegian Prima, the first of six new Prima Class vessels. With over 20 years of experience, Quesnele most recently served as Vice President of Sales at GOGO Vacations, where he was responsible for the company’s sales strategy and cultivation of key partner relationships.“I am very excited to welcome Brennan to the team and look forward to working closely with him as we engage our valued account partners in advance of our highly-anticipated Norwegian Prima launch,” said Todd Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Sales at NCL.With his deep sales experience and more than a decade of history with NCL, Rothe has been tapped to lead a new division within the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Charters, Meetings and Incentives group. Further details will be shared shortly.For more information about the Company's award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit ncl.com. SOURCE: Norwegian Cruise Line press release. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: The cruise line is strengthening its operations and marketing teams. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing EditorPonant has announced three new appointments: Bert Van Middendorp, Development Director Hotel Experience; Natasha Hanson, Expedition Exploration Director; and Vanessa Kraus, Director of Marketing, Americas. This announcement represents the latest in Ponant's strategic organizational growth that will continue to elevate the brand’s position in the travel industry.With more than 30 years of experience in the cruise and hospitality industry, Bert Van Middendorp is now managing the onboard hotel experience across Ponant's fleet. In his new role as Development Director Hotel Experience, he is responsible for defining and elevating service excellence on the vessels and continuing to develop client relations. Before joining Ponant, Bert successfully led teams at Seabourn, Cunard, Crystal and Azamara, where he contributed to the creation of an all-inclusive, upscale offering with global deployment at Azamara. Natasha Hanson has been appointed to Director of Expedition Operations, overseeing all expeditions and excursion activities for Ponant as well as managing the team of expedition guides, excursion managers, and local guides. Prior to this role, Natasha was the Senior Operations Manager at Crystal Cruises as a Head of Expeditions. She has also held various positions at Holland America Group and Hurtigruten as well as an expedition leader herself at Seabourn Cruise Line and Poseidon Expeditions.Vanessa Kraus is now leading the North American marketing efforts for Ponant. In her role as Director of Marketing, Americas, Vanessa will be responsible for continuing to build awareness and drive bookings for the brand’s growing portfolio. Natasha joins Ponant with more than 15 years of brand management and communications experience and has held various senior marketing positions, including most recently at Miller Environmental Group and Sea Tow Services.This announcement comes on the heels of Ponant-owned Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two recent appointments of Susan Robison, General Manager, Sales and Marketing and Liz Coleman, Vice President of Sales. Ponant continues to strategically expand its global team to further elevate brand awareness as well as its position as a leader in exploration and hospitality excellence.Bert Van Middendorp and Vanessa Kraus are based in New York while Natasha Hanson is based in Seattle, Washington. SOURCE: Ponant press release. Adblock test (Why?)

The Globus family of brands is welcoming new Senior Director of Marketing Ainsley Ericksen to its executive team. Ericksen brings more than 20 years of travel industry experience, including her most recent stint as senior director, global marketing for Rocky Mountaineer.“Ainsley is just the marketing leader we need in Canada,” said Stéphanie Bishop, managing director of the Globus family of brands.ADVERTISING“She has enjoyed a successful history of building effective marketing teams and processes while inspiring a culture of curiousity. And we look forward to supporting her as she blends her experience with our needs, including generating booking demand while delivering robust, 360-degree communications across all advisor and traveller touch-points.” Having worked with organizations including Destination Albert, Tourism Australia and Tourism New Zealand, Ericksen has lots of experience in promoting world-class destinations and attractions.“I very much look forward to bringing my international experience and passion for travel to the Globus family of brands,” said Ericksen. “Including enhancing the company’s high-performing, highly engaged teams while inspiring new ideas, processes and personal connections across all marketing and sales functions.”In addition to hiring Ericksen as senior director, marketing, other Globus family of brands’ team members with new or enhanced positions across the company’s Canadian sales team include: Fiona Schonewille (full-time sales for BC Territory); Peter Ouzounov (full-time sales for BC Territory) and Leslie Schaff (full-time sales for Prairies and the Territories).“We’re witnessing a great resurgence in international travel and with these new and enhanced hires across Canada, we’re poised to welcome Canadian travellers back to the world,” said Bishop. Adblock test (Why?)

In an interview with Travel Weekly, former Crystal Cruises president and CEO Jack Anderson said that he would be returning to the rebooted cruise line.Crystal's brand name and guest lists as well as its two ocean-going ships are now in the hands of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. Anderson told Travel Weekly he will report to A&K Travel Group CEO Cristina Levis.ADVERTISING Trending Now Crystal Cruises abruptly ceased operations in February when its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, filed for liquidation in January. At that time, Anderson was the president and CEO of the cruise line and also served as senior vice president for worldwide marketing and sales and vice chairman. Anderson is a veteran of the industry, also having worked at Seabourn, Carnival Corp., Holland America Line and Windstar over his career. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Brooks is described as a proven leader with extensive knowledge of the travel industry and a robust list of contacts, which is good news for Intervova's network of more than 70,000 travel advisors.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior WriterInternova Travel Group, one of the largest travel services companies in the world, announced that Simon Brooks has been named President of Bonotel Exclusive Travel.Bonotel is a leading inbound marketing and distribution partner of branded and boutique luxury hotel rooms to international business-to-business clients and has very strong relationships with most of the major tour operators worldwide. Bonotel is part of the Travel Leaders Group division of Internova. Brooks will report to Travel Leaders Group President John Lovell, starting on July 5. MORE People "We've known Simon for a long time and are excited to bring him on board," said J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group. "From his many years at British Airways, he brings a deep and extensive knowledge of the travel industry and an expansive network of contacts. He is a proven leader, and we are confident that he will be a great fit for this business."In his new role, Brooks will leverage his industry knowledge to identify trends in the marketplace, create new content, build on Bonotel's current relationships with hotels and resorts, boutique properties, villas and other accommodations throughout North America, and market them to tour operators and travel advisors worldwide."Having worked closely with many clients and suppliers, Simon will also help ensure that our network of more than 70,000 travel advisors can benefit from Bonotel's preferred rates and services," O'Hara added.Previously, Brooks was Chief Commercial Officer for a sports events business, The Icons Series, where he led all sales and revenue generation activities. He also had responsibility for client and supplier relationships.Brooks has over two decades of commercial leadership experience in the airline industry. Having led teams in the Leisure and Corporate sectors in the UK, his most recent position was the Senior Vice President of Sales North America for British Airways, leading the Atlantic Joint Business team alongside American Airlines and Iberia. Earlier in his career, Brooks held numerous airline operations positions in Eastern Europe opening new destinations for British Airways. SOURCE: Internova Travel Group press release. Adblock test (Why?)

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) named Mia Lange chief marketing officer (CMO), a new position designed to “further strengthen the destination’s presence in key international source markets,” said SKTA officials in a statement.Lange will direct the strategic implementation of St. Kitts’ global marketing and branding efforts and its international agencies’ activities. Lange will also lead St. Kitts’ local public relations and marketing team to “ensure the seamless promotion of the island to citizens and residents.”ADVERTISINGMORE People “We look forward to having Lange at the helm of our global marketing during our continued tourism rebound,” said Nick Menon, chairman of SKTA’s board of directors. “[Lange] has proven success in launching key advertising and branding strategies that in turn have increased tourism and tangible economic development,” he added.“Mia Lange’s experience working within the Caribbean and truly understanding our target audience will allow her to create destination campaigns that will keep St. Kitts top-of-mind among travelers,” said Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, SKTA’s CEO. “Her distinctive insights and approach will bring St. Kitts to the forefront as travelers plan their long-awaited vacations.”Lange most recently served as executive director of global communications for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Lange received an MBA degree in marketing and graduated magna cum laude in 2017 from Lynn University.She previously served in roles including senior director of global communications, senior manager of advertising and branding and manager of cruise development for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.“I am eager to continue immersing myself in the island, getting to know the people and experiences while embarking on this new challenge,” she said Lange. “St. Kitts has a strong foundation and is poised for continued growth. I look forward to showing the world the destination’s exceptional offerings.”Meanwhile, the Nevis Tourism Authority confirmed Devon Liburd as the agency’s chief executive officer. Liburd had served as interim CEO since February. Nevis is the smaller sister island of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.Liburd was named to the position by Mark Brantley, Nevis’ premier, during Brantley’s monthly press conference in the cabinet room of the Nevis Island Administration.“I’m delighted the board of directors has confirmed my appointment as CEO,” Liburd said in a statement. “I will continue to seek the support of our hoteliers, stakeholders and international partners as we strive to grow the destination as the premier choice [for] all prospective visitors.”Brantley, who is also Nevis’ minister of tourism, described Mr. Liburd as a career tourism professional with more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing. Liburd has worked at NTA since its inception in 2001.Liburd holds a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Sciences in Strategic Tourism Management from France’s CERAM European School of Business. Adblock test (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: In his new role, Montano will drive the creation and execution of brand marketing strategy at a multi-channel level in the United States, Canada and Australia markets. --Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior WriterCollette has welcomed Willie Montano as its new senior director of global brand marketing. In this position, Montano will drive the creation and execution of brand marketing strategy at a multi-channel level in the United States, Canada and Australia markets.“We are excited to have Willie join Collette,” said Collette President Jaclyn Leibl-Cote. “Willie understands the importance of aligning strategy across our consumer, travel agent and group travel channels and brings valuable brand marketing experience, strong business management skills, and incredible enthusiasm to the position. He is a fantastic addition to the Collette family.” Prior to joining Collette, Montano served as the VP of marketing at Insight Vacations & Luxury Gold USA, and VP of marketing at CIE Tours USA. He has a solid record of leading teams in the design and implementation of award-winning marketing campaigns and is the recipient of the “Global Marketing Campaign of the Year in 2019” at his previous company conglomerate.One of Montano’s strengths is his ability to analyze insights to formulate winning strategies.“I’m delighted to join the Collette family and its marketing team,” said Montano. “I have admired the brand over the years, and I see significant opportunities for growth and expansion.”In 2020, Montano earned certificates in Business Analytics from Harvard Business School and in Project Management from Cornell University. He is a past member of the United States Tour Operator Association marketing committee and past president of the Morris County Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce. SOURCE: Collette press release. Adblock test (Why?)