Explora grows Canadian team, names Andi Bacho business relationship lead for Ontario

A familiar face in Canada's travel industry is taking her career in a new direction – this time on the water.

Andrea (Andi) Bacho, formerly of Playa Hotels and Resorts and Exoticca, has joined luxury cruise line Explora Journeys as a business relationship lead for Ontario, PAX has learned.

Bacho stepped into her new role this week and, in an exclusive interview with PAX, said the job was too good to turn down.

“From my very first conversations with the team, it was clear that Explora Journeys is creating something truly distinctive in luxury ocean travel,” said Bacho.

“I was drawn to the brand’s vision of delivering transformative Ocean Journeys, its commitment to warm, intuitive hospitality, and the genuine passion for building meaningful partnerships with the travel advisor community. Those values align closely with my own, making this an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Luxurious “homes at sea”

Bacho joins at a pivotal time for yacht-inspired Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s upscale cruise line that first set sail in August 2023.

The brand’s newest ship, EXPLORA III, launches this week on the Mediterranean and will officially be named in Barcelona on August 1. 

VIDEO: “We needed something like this”: Agents unpack EXPLORA I's "homes at sea" with Explora Journeys

This summer, EXPLORA III will offer voyages through Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland.

Then next year, she will sail Alaska, roundtrip from Vancouver, before continuing on to Asia, including Japan during cherry blossom season.

Since its inception, Explora Journeys has introduced luxury travellers to spacious “homes at sea.”

The cruise line’s sprawling suites, all of which have ocean-facing balconies, range from 377 sq. ft. in the Ocean Terrace category to up to 3,014 sq. ft. in the eye-popping Owners Residence.

READ MORE: Explora Journeys takes delivery of EXPLORA III, unveils largest ship in fleet

As PAX experienced aboard the company’s inaugural ship, EXPLORA I, the sailings are a hassle-free, all-inclusive retreat – without complex food and beverage packages – in a 24-hour, butler service-oriented environment.

"I can’t wait to begin this next chapter!"

Bacho said she’s looking forward to reconnecting with travel advisors across Ontario and introducing more of them to the Explora Journeys experience.

“I’m excited to help advisors discover how our thoughtfully-curated Ocean Journeys, personalized service, and European approach to luxury create exceptional experiences for their clients,” she said.

“Building strong relationships has always been the most rewarding part of my career, and I can’t wait to begin this next chapter!”

Bacho also expressed her gratitude to her colleagues at Exoticca, where she had been an Ontario sales director since January.

“While my journey there was a short one, I’m grateful for the opportunity, the experiences, and the wonderful people I had the pleasure of working with along the way,” she said. “Every role teaches us something new, and I’ll take those lessons with me as I move forward.”  

Explora strengthens Canadian presence

The new hire comes as Explora Journeys expands its sales team across Canada.

Explora’s Patricia Di Benedetto, director of sales for Canada, said Bacho brings “the perfect combination of hotel expertise, sales experience and exceptional customer service” to her new role.

“Her background representing Playa Hotels & Resorts’ diverse portfolio gives her a strong understanding of how to differentiate each brand and successfully position its elevated, luxury properties for the right traveller,” Di Benedetto told PAX.

“Combined with her experience as both a travel advisor and director of customer service, she brings a valuable understanding of the business from every angle.”

What makes Bacho an asset is “her ability to build meaningful relationships while staying focused on results,” Di Benedetto added.

“She understands our partners, knows how to turn product knowledge into sales and, most importantly, recognizes that exceptional service is at the heart of every luxury experience,” she said. “With her energy, strategic mindset and passion for travel, Andi is the right person to grow our presence and partnerships across Ontario.”

Explora's Canadian team also includes Lisa Willey, business relationship lead for Western Canada, while another team member has recently been hired to oversee Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Details of that appointment will be announced in the coming weeks.

Andi Bacho can now be reached at Andi.Bacho@explorajourneys.com.

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