Desirée Rolle returns to Exoticca as dir. of sales, Western ON & Atlantic Canada

The band’s back together.

After a stint at The Armstrong Collective (the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer), Desirée Rolle is back in the sales seat at Exoticca, returning to the “next-gen” tour operator as director of sales for Western Ontario and Atlantic Canada, PAX has learned.

Rolle – who also once represented Couples Resorts – first joined Exoticca in 2024 as director of sales for Eastern Ontario.

After departing in fall of 2025 to pursue an opportunity in the luxury rail sector, she has now returned to the company with a larger territory.

“There are so many reasons why I'm returning to Exoticca,” said Rolle in a statement to PAX, “but I'll keep it short and sweet!”

“First, the people. The team is absolutely amazing, and I truly missed them. I'm so excited to see everyone again and give out some giant hugs!”

“Second, I've always had a huge passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. Exoticca gives people incredible opportunities to discover some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet, and that's something I simply couldn't pass up.”

Rolle also returns with many lessons under her belt.

“I've had the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing people over the last few months and I'm incredibly grateful for the friendships and relationships I've built along the way,” she said. “In this industry, relationships are everything.”

One of the biggest lessons she has learned, in recent months, is that “sometimes you need to leave the nest and embark on your own journey before realizing that home is calling you back.”

“Stepping away can give you a fresh perspective and help you see the bigger picture,” said Rolle. “While change can be intimidating, it's often necessary for growth and evolution.”

“These experiences have given me an even greater appreciation for the exciting growth happening at Exoticca. I look forward to sharing that enthusiasm with the incredible advisors I work with and helping guide them through all the exciting opportunities ahead.”

Exciting opportunities ahead

Exoticca, which is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, first launched in 2013 to serve the European market. It made its Canadian debut in 2019.

In recent years, the travel company, which sells tours led by local guides in 60-plus countries, has more than doubled its size in Canada.

“There are so many exciting opportunities ahead for Exoticca!” said Rolle. “The growth the company is experiencing is incredible, and one of the things I love most is how open the team is to listening to feedback and ideas from our valued partners.”

“Those partnerships play a huge role in helping drive innovation and continued success. I truly believe this is only the beginning, and I can't wait to see what's next.”

One thing she’s looking forward to the most is hosting “the most incredible comeback FAM” with travel advisors.

Additionally: “I'm genuinely excited to be working with the team again,” said Rolle.

“I can't wait to get back on the road, connect with advisors, and share all the amazing opportunities Exoticca offers for both travel professionals and their clients,” she said.

A word from D.W.

Diana Winters, vice president of sales at Exoticca, is “thrilled” to welcome Rolle back to the team.

“It feels like a homecoming,” Winters told PAX. “I know I speak for my entire team when I say we are ecstatic. The band is back together.”

How will the trade community benefit?

“Desirée knows Exoticca well,” Winters said. “She’ll be able to hit the ground running and pick right up where she left off. She is incredibly customer centric and that extra care and support she provides to advisors is precisely why she is so loved.”

Rolle’s return also couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Exoticca’s growth has continually multiplied year over year at levels that are truly remarkable,” said Winters. “This will result in even better coverage on the ground and even better service.”

Exoticca’s director of sales team in Canada now consists of the following individuals:

• Desirée Rolle - Director of Sales - Ontario West & Atlantic Canada - Desiree.rolle@exoticca.com
• Andi Bacho - Director of Sales - Northern Ontario & Ontario East - Andi.bacho@exoticca.com
• Maryanne Dube - Director of Sales- Quebec - Maryanne.dube@exoticca.com
• Sharon Wilson - Director of Sales - AB, MB, SK - Sharon.wilson@exoticca.com
• Cindy Chau - Director of Sales, BC - Cindy.chau@exoticca.com

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