We’re seeing lots of positive trends in the travel industry, as noted in the proliferation of hirings in recent weeks, as well as new marketing campaigns just launched. But we would be remiss to skip over, perhaps, the most important story of the which, which was the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrated 70 years on the throne this year.
Many throughout the travel industry, including hoteliers, tour operators, cruise lines and trade organizations, have shared their support for the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and beyond.
“We love the Royal Family here at The Stafford London and The Queen was a truly magnificent woman who brought visitors to London and the U.K. from across the globe,” said Stuart Procter, GM of The Stafford and Luxury Travel Advisor's General Manager of the Year for 2022. “We were privileged to look after at The Stafford for many private events held during her 70-year reign.”
The scene in London today is somber, as crowds are gathering at Buckingham Palace to show their support. Flags are being flown at half mast, digital posters of the Queen are adorning bus stations and many other images of her have been posted around the city.
Hirings Abound
Back the positives from the industry this week. Across the globe, hotels, tour operators, and management companies have announced a slew of hirings, which, to us, shows that they are beyond “recovery” mode and are fully in “growth” mode.
Here is just a selection of all that’s been happening:
Celebrated Experiences announced the appointment of four new Executive Team members, including two who will be focused on client engagement and two who will support the organization’s destination partners and product development efforts.
Both the Dorchester Collection and The Lux Collective added new sales executives. For the former, Marion Ryan has been tabbed as area director of sales and marketing for The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane in London and Coworth Park in Ascot. As for the latter, Andrew Morgan is now head of sales and marketing for the U.K., Ireland, Scandinavia and North America. In addition, Golden Rock Nature & Dive Resort in the Caribbean’s St. Eustatius has appointed Sally Glen as its director of sales and marketing.
Several hotels this week also appointed new general managers:
- Masanori Hosoya at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- Karina Ansos will take over Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin in mid-October
- Benjamin Chemoul of Beau-Rivage Palace, Hôtel d’Angleterre & Résidence and Château d’Ouchy
- Franck Chantoiseau at Grace Bay Resorts’ Rock House
On the tour operator front, TTC Tour Brands has announced changes to the North American sales team with the promotion of Josh Hepp to VP of national accounts from his current role as director of strategic accounts. Ursula Blackburne, who is working under The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) sales team will transition to North America sales manager, Brendan Vacations, a Celtic tour company included in TTC Tour Brands.
Elsewhere, Intrepid Travel appointed Tom Smith as general manager, North America, bringing more senior leadership, vision and strategic growth to the continent. The tour operator this week also announced 10 new tours as part of its “Intrepid Premium” range. These include six new trips in Europe and four new trips in North and South America.
Lastly, Atlas Ocean Voyages named Tanya Springer as its vice president of sales. Springer brings nearly 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the cruise industry to the line.
New Marketing
Beyond the new team additions, several destinations are making a push to get in front of North American travelers.
Earlier this week, Visit Britain hosted its “Destination Britain North America” in Washington, D.C. where more than 60 travel trade and industry suppliers showcased the destination to buyers from North America. The British suppliers included hotels, visitor attractions, tour operators and destination management companies from England, Scotland and Wales.
As well, the Kenya Tourism Board launched the first phase of a global marketing campaign in North America, the country’s strongest source market. The campaign, “Real Deal Kenya,” was developed to reinvigorate the country’s tourism industry by showcasing the wildlife, culture and adventure activities available to global travelers.
They’re both good strategies as the World Travel & Tourism Council this week also released the findings of its latest “Economic Trends 2022” report. Not surprisingly, the data found that the U.S. remains the world’s biggest and most powerful travel and tourism market.
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