HODGE PODGE: Shifts, Shakeups and Occasional Shaftings in the Tour and Travel Industry

Paula Twidale, the former executive vice president of Collette, has been named vice president of AAA travel, effective Feb. 4, 2019. Twidale replaces Bill Sutherland, who retired in December after more than 21 years with the organization. During her 27-year tenure with Collette, Twidale most recently served as executive vice president, leading a team across the United States, Canada and the UK. She also serves as board chair of United States Tour Operators Association.

Sister brands Just You and Travelsphere have announced that John Docherty will be joining the company Feb. 11 as key account manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland. He joins from Princess Cruises, where he served for more than four-and-a-half years. Escorted touring specialist Travelsphere and its sister solo brand Just You said the brands—both offer tours worldwide—had bolstered their joint sales team because of growing demand for touring holidays.

Fabio Monteiro has joined Hornblower Cruises as the company’s new director of market development- East Coast, working in several markets and oversees the growth of its tourism and sightseeing efforts. Monteiro joins Hornblower from Blue Man Group New York City, where he was manager of tourism and group sales. He had been with Blue Man Group for more than 10 years.

Brazilian operator E-HTL has announced the appointment of Daniel Thompson to the position of commercial manager, where he is responsible for the international products. An experienced tour and travel industry professional, Thompson has worked for companies and agencies such as Tam, Embratur, São Paulo State Tourism Office and Vasp.

Katie Skitterall has been promoted to director of UK sales and operations travel and events management business, the ATPI Group (Advanced Travel Partners UK Ltd, a global corporate travel management & events company operating several different brands.) In her role, Skitterall will take on management of the UK sales team, across its specialist brands and sectors and development of go-to-market and sales strategies. Skitterall has been a part of ATPI’s UK operations, having held multiple senior positions within the business since 2001, as well as a place on the UK executive team for over five years.

Hatsuko Tsujimura, a lawyer with over 12 years of experience in the travel industry, will lead a new dedicated office in Japan for Abercrombie & Kent as the region’s country manager. Tsujimura steps into her new position with a strong background in designing itineraries, negotiating with suppliers and coordinating logistics. Explaining why the Abercrombie & Kent decided to build the new office, China Managing Director Kath Fok pointed to the extreme growth the company has seen in the country, especially pertaining to luxury small group travel and tailor-made private travel. By building its own office, said the director, the company said it will be better positioned to manage logistics and provide insider access and personalized service.

Amauri Barbosa has left his post as coordinator of national products for the Brazilian tour operator Flytour MMT, and is looking for new opportunities in the market. Barbosa had been with the operator since its inception when it was Flytour Viagens. Said Barbosa. “I would like to thank the whole team, especially the Director of National Products, Daniel Firmino, for all this period, in which I learn a lot.”

Bruno Delhomme has been appointed sales manager for LEVEL airlines, based at the company’s French headquarters near Orly airport. LEVEL flies to a number of major U.S. destinations. Delhomme is in charge of sales development and distribution for the IAG (International Airlines Group) long-haul low-cost brand. With nearly twenty years of experience in the tourism industry, he served as sales and marketing director for various airlines prior to his appointment.