Jazmin Jimenez & Desiree Rolle join Exoticca as sales directors in Ontario

Tour operator Exoticca has hired two sales directors in Ontario as part of a strategic move to expand its market presence in Canada, PAX has learned.

Desiree Rolle, formerly of Couples Resorts, is now Exoticca’s director of sales for Ontario East, while Jazmin Jimenez, previously of Sunwing Vacations, will take on the same role, covering Ontario West.

Both officially started their positions on September 3, 2024. Together, their duties include managing existing accounts and expanding Exoticca's reach within the travel advisor community.

They will also provide training and support to agents, build new relationships, and maintain the partnerships that have been instrumental to Exoticca's success.

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“I am so excited and honoured to join the Exoticca team and be part of a company that is fresh, exciting and cutting edge in our industry!” Rolle told PAX. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running so I can start sharing the incredible information about the fantastic products and opportunities Exoticca has to offer. I’m also so incredibly thrilled to still be working with the amazing travel advisors that I’ve known and loved throughout my travel industry career. Their support is truly one of a kind!”

Jimenez is also thrilled to join what she calls “a dynamic company.”

“Especially at such an exciting time in its journey,” Jimenez said. “I'm most looking forward to getting out there to connect with agents in Western Ontario and contributing to the growth of Exoticca, which is passionate about delivering extraordinary experiences at incredible value. Here's to new horizons and endless possibilities!”

Exoticca grows in Canada

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, which sells tours led by local guides in nearly 60 countries, has doubled its size in Canada over the past year.

Diana Winters, who joined the company in April 2023, was recently promoted to vice-president of sales in Ontario. She reports to Mike Quinto, Exoticca’s managing director for Canada.

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The Canadian sales team also includes Aerin Chauncey (who oversees Atlantic Canada), Maryanne Dubé (in Quebec), Sharon Wilson (covering Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) and Cindy Chau (in British Columbia).

On Exoticca’s new hires in Ontario, Winters said she is “thrilled to have these exceptional women join our team.”

“We have seen incredible growth with no signs of slowing down,” she said. “While I can't share all of our plans and strategies, I can say that we are headed in the direction of continued growth and it is for that reason we have expanded our team. Exoticca has become a household name in Canada and we are excited for what the future holds. Expect big things from team Exoticca!”

In a previous interview with PAX, Alberto Constans, Exoticca’s chief growth officer, said the tour operator’s intention, globally, is to become the “largest player in all of the English and Spanish-speaking markets.”

Describing Exoticca as a “Next Gen Tour Operator,” Constans said Canada plays a critical role in this mission “not only because it is already our second-largest source market, but because it offers us a unique platform to grow with strong network partners and top-quality independent travel advisors.”

Travel advisors can mark their calendars as Exoticca’s Fall Fling roadshow will return this October and November, landing in select cities across Canada.

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