Penny Martin will be leaving her role as VP Agent Experience at The Travel Agent Next Door next August. The gregarious travel industry veteran has been with the company since its inception, working alongside Flemming Friisdahl as they built the company from scratch 10 years ago. But while Martin may be retiring from TTAND, she says “(I) hope to stay involved in the travel industry. Travel is in my blood!”

Martin says that being part of The Travel Agent Next Door since inception is the ultimate achievement of her career in travel, stating, “To see us grow from zero to over 1,200 agents was very exciting and rewarding,” and adds, “I am so fortunate that I have had the privilege of working with so many wonderful people throughout my career. It has been filled with unforgettable experiences, and I am immensely grateful for all of you who have been a part of it.”

TTAND founder Flemming Friisdahl was full of praise for Martin and her role in helping grow The Travel Agent Next Door. “Penny has been by my side from well before we even opened our doors and I could not have built this company without her and she has been a key member of our team and instrumental in our growth,” said Friisdahl. “Timely and complete support for our agents is one of the key pillars at The Travel Agent Next Door and Penny has overseen this area from the beginning, ensuring our agents had everything they needed to sell travel and be successful.”

He added: “Many people often would joke that Penny was my work wife and Rhonda was my home wife. I’m not sure who was the lucky one but without both these ladies The Travel Agent Next Door would simply not be the company it is. I am very happy for Penny as she moves into this new phase in her life and I will miss my daily interaction with her. However, knowing Penny (as I do) I am sure we will get to see lots of her, as she will still be around TTAND from time to time, making sure I am doing a good job!”