CAREERS
SIMPLY THE BEST: DT Minich inducted into Florida Tourism Hall of Fame
By JEN SAVEDRA/ DT Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame last week and he truly exemplifies the best the industry has to offer. The only tourism executive to have led three Florida destination marketing organizations – Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Visit St. Pete Clearwater and Experience Kissimmee –Minich was recognized for his more than three decades of leadership, innovation and service to Florida’s tourism.
INDUSTRY ‘CHAMPION’ CHRISTINE JAMES TO RETIRE
After 27 years of dedicated service to the Canadian travel industry, Christine James, Vice President, Canada Travel Leaders Network, has announced her retirement, with her final day being Oct. 30.
MARITIME MILESTONE: Carnival names first female staff captain
A proud new chapter in Carnival Cruise Line’s history was celebrated recently in Sydney as Daniela Gargiulo was appointed the global fleet’s first female Staff Captain.
BARBADOS APPOINTS MICHELE RAUZON AS QUEBEC BDM
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has announced the appointment of Michèle Rauzon as Business Development Representative for Québec, further strengthening Barbados’ presence in the Quebec market.
DIXON STEPS DOWN FROM BRAND USA, RETURNS TO NYC
Brand USA president and CEO Fred Dixon is leaving the country’s official destination marketing organization to return to NYC Tourism + Conventions, the organization he left to take the post.
SUSAN LAWSON RECOGNIZED WITH EXPANDED ROLE AT TREVELLO
Trevello Travel Group has announced the promotion of Susan Lawson to Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Partnerships. Previously Director of Engagement, Lawson will lead sales, marketing, supplier partnerships, events, training and mentorship at the Canadian-based host agency.
JORDAN APPOINTS NEW REPRESENTATIVE FOR CANADA
Starting a “new chapter” in this country, TM Americas has been appointed as the official representative of the Jordan Tourism Board in Canada with Cinthia Vázquez to serve as Canadian Trade Representative.
WESTJET APPOINTS TODD LINDLEY AS DIRECTOR OF SALES
WestJet has appointed Todd Lindey Director, Sales. Reporting to Amanda Ierfino, Vice President, Sales & Cargo, Lindey will lead the Corporate, Agency, Specialty and International Sales teams, along with Sales Operations & Performance and Sales Planning & Governance.
MEET THE NEW BOSS: Air Canada names new CEO
Air Canada has named Scandinavian Airlines head Anko Van der Werff as the Canadian airline’s next chief executive. The Montreal-based airline says Van der Werff will assume the job and join Air Canada’s board of directors by the end of January 2027.
CAL JOINS SNOWBIRD ADVISOR TEAM
Elvi Cal is joining the Snowbird Advisor team, taking on the role of Director of Travel Partnerships in a consulting capacity. The travel industry veteran will be overseeing partnerships with DMOs, tourist boards, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators and other providers who want to reach the rapidly growing Canadian snowbird market.
CALIFORNIA, HERE SHE COMES: New York’s Coker takes top tourism post in Golden State
Visit California today announced Julie Coker has been named the organization’s next – and only second ever – president & CEO, succeeding longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Coker will assume the role Oct. 1, swapping coasts from New York, where she was president & CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions.
‘SHE LEFT THEM CLAPPING’: Industry icon Dina Bertolo calls it a career (again)
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Fifteen years ago when I wrote about Dina Bertolo’s (first) retirement from Thomas Cook North America, I dubbed her “Queen Dina” – a name that not surprisingly stuck. But just when she thought she was out, the travel industry, as it does, pulled her back in, and another dozen eventful years at Air Canada Vacations ensued.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR HODGE, GOWAY NAMES MOORE CEO
Goway has named Dean Moore as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for founder Bruce Hodge, who will remain as President and Chairman and continue to oversee Goway’s subsidiary corporate travel division, Globespan Travel Management.
ARE YOU QUALIFIED?: WestJet Airlines president to retire, replacement sought
A global search is underway for a new president for WestJet Airlines. Diederik Pen, who is also Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) announced his retirement last week, with his departure expected to be in the first quarter of 2027 at the latest pending the integration of his replacement.
‘THE NEXT CHAPTER’: Flair appoints Fox to focus on travel trade
Flair Airlines has brought former Air Canada exec Jamie Fox onboard as Director, Agency Sales and Partnerships, a newly created role designed to further the discount airline’s growth by engaging the travel trade.
BEVERLY CHENG IS NEW HONG TOURISM BOARD DIRECTOR FOR CANADA
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has introduced a new Director for Canada. Based in her home city, Toronto native Beverly Cheng brings a global perspective to the HKTB, shaped by more than a decade living and working in Hong Kong.
SAINT LUCIA INTRODUCES NEW CDN. MARKETING MANAGER
Giselle Williams is the new Marketing Manager, Canada for the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA). She arrives with more than eight years of experience in destination marketing, business development, and travel trade engagement in the Canadian market having held senior roles with organizations including Unique Vacations Canada and a leading Caribbean Tourism Authority.
DAWSON RETURNS AT ROYALTON
Canadian travel industry veteran and, until recently, president of Sunwing Vacations Group Andrew Dawson, has joined Royalton Hotels International as Chief Financial Officer. The Canadian-based all-inclusive hospitality brand operates more than two dozen luxury properties across the Caribbean and Mexico.
FLIGHT CENTRE APPOINTMENTS SUPPORT GROWTH
Flight Centre Canada has strengthened its leadership team with two strategic appointments as the business continues a period of sustained growth. Angela Bokma joins the business as Director of Marketing, while David Ardagh steps into the role of Commercial Financial Manager, transitioning from his previous position as Senior Financial Analyst within Flight Centre Travel Group.
BRAND USA APPOINTS TRADE MANAGER FOR CANADA
Brand USA has announced the appointment of Marion Certain as Trade Manager for Canada, notably filling a position that had been vacant since the death last May of Casey Canevari.