Exoticca restructures North America team, Mike Quinto & Diana Winters promoted

Big changes at tour operator Exoticca. The Barcelona-based company, which has spent the past few years growing its presence in Canada, has restructured its North America team, PAX has learned.

According to an email from Alberto Constans, Exoticca’s chief growth officer, John Vavrina (managing director – North America) and Isabelle Bujold (senior director, national sales strategy) are no longer with the company.

Constans acknowledged that these two individuals have been “key players” in introducing Exoticca to the travel trade over the past three years.

READ MORE: Canada is “booming”: Exoticca kicks off fall roadshow in T.O., welcomes sold-out crowd

“Our team now in North America is strong,” Constans wrote. “We have more than 20 BDMs covering the USA and Canada and we are proud of providing service to the more than 35,000 registered travel agents with Exoticca.”

Constans goes on to say that it’s time “for a new leadership team” in order to continue Exoticca’s growth and offer “the best service possible.”

Quinto & Winters promoted

Moving forward, Ontario-based Mike Quinto will lead North America as Exoticca’s senior vice-president, North America Commercial. Diana Winters has also been promoted. She will now lead Canada as vice-president of sales, reporting to Quinto.

“We are in the process of incorporating more leaders to the USA structure,” Constans said.

The team in Canada (Exoticca’s fast-growing market) also includes sales directors: Aerin Chauncey in Atlantic Canada, Maryanne Dubé in Quebec, Sharon Wilson (who covers Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) and Cindy Chau in British Columbia.

The company’s newest additions are in Ontario: Desiree Rolle, formerly of Couples Resorts, covers Ontario East, while Jazmin Jimenez, previously of Sunwing Vacations, oversees Ontario West.

Speaking with PAX in October, Mr. Constans said Exoticca will continue to invest in Canada with more products, services and technology.

“Canada is a key component of our growth,” he said, noting that he wants Exoticca to become the country’s largest tour operator. “The bigger we become, the more efficient we are, which also means better prices for travel agents and their customers.”

Despite possible economic headwinds, Canada is “still booming for us,” Constans said, noting that the company, this year, hasn’t seen a major slowdown.

Exoticca sells more than 300 itineraries in more than 60 countries, and has a generous trade offer, such as full commission on all components, affordable prices, guaranteed departures with two pax, instant quotes, easy click&book technology, instant commissions (60 per cent right away) and special rates for agents.

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