Andi Bacho joins Exoticca as director of sales, Ontario

A familiar name in the travel industry is starting a new adventure.

Andrea (Andi) Bacho, formally of Playa Hotels and Resorts, has joined Exoticca as director of sales for Ontario, PAX has learned. She officially begins January 5.

In her new role, Bacho will focus on building and strengthening relationships with travel advisors, helping drive their success through targeted education, meaningful engagement, and strategic collaboration.

Her responsibilities will include trade training, partner support, market development, and serving as a key liaison between advisors and the Exoticca team—supporting increased awareness, confidence, and sales growth across the Ontario market.

“Exoticca stood out to me for its innovative approach to experience-driven travel and the way it blends technology with thoughtfully curated itineraries,” Bacho told PAX. “I was especially drawn to the company’s philosophy around travel design and how it works closely with local partners to craft balanced itineraries filled with authentic experiences for small groups.”

“That focus on meaningful, immersive travel – combined with Exoticca’s strong growth trajectory, global reach, and genuine commitment to the travel advisor community— is what truly resonated with me,”

Selling the world

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

The travel company operates in more than 60 countries with tours led by local guides and has doubled its presence in Canada in the last three years.

After years of selling sand-and-sun vacations, Bacho is excited to shift her focus back to global travel.

“Having started my career as a travel advisor, one of the things I’ve always said I missed most was planning worldwide travel and opening the world to my clients. Designing journeys beyond the typical sun destinations was incredibly rewarding, and it’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career. I’m excited to bring worldwide travel back into my world and to help advisors do the same,” she said.

Bacho particularly looks forward to introducing travel advisors to “a new way of selling escorted travel, giving them the confidence to offer complex destinations with ease.”

“Exoticca’s product removes many of the traditional barriers to guided touring, and I’m excited to show advisors how this can unlock new opportunities, increase revenue, and expand their clients’ travel horizons,” she said.

Still, leaving Playa—which was acquired by Hyatt in June—was “truly a difficult decision,” she said.

“I spent three incredible years there and built such meaningful relationships with travel partners and especially with colleagues, which are now like family. I will always value that,” Bacho said.  “Playa played a significant role in my professional growth, and I’m very grateful for that experience.”

“While it wasn’t easy, this move represents an exciting next chapter and a new challenge that feels like the right step at this stage in my career.”

“The missing piece”

Exoticca’s Diana Winters, vice president of sales, Canada, is “thrilled” to have Bacho on the team.

“She was a natural choice,” Winters told PAX. “The trust, respect, and admiration she has earned within the advisor community make her an exceptional fit. As a true ‘grassroots’ professional, Andi brings the drive, passion, and innovative thinking needed to excel in this role.”

“She is the missing piece of Team Canada’s puzzle—bringing everything together to create a complete and powerful picture.”

Andi Bacho can now be reached at andi.bacho@exoticca.com

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