Tui, Hays Travel, Contiki, Celestyal: all the latest travel trade people moves

Swan Hellenic has expanded its UK and European reservation team with two new appointments. Joanna Hili has taken on the role of UK and Europe reservations manager, while Katrin Roberts has become Swan Hellenic’s newest reservations consultant for the UK and Europe. Hili and Roberts join from Silversea, where they both held similar roles. “I thrive on structure, organisation, and ensuring that every client interaction exceeds expectations,” Hili said. Meanwhile, Roberts added: “I’ve spent the past eight years in the luxury cruise sector, supporting the trade, building relationships, and delivering a high level of service. I am optimistic that by focusing on the European market, my experience and familiarity will contribute positively to the growth and success of the business." 

Contiki chief executive Adam Armstrong has stepped down after almost five years following a company strategic review. He will be replaced by Melissa DaSilva, interim chief executive of parent company TTC Tour brands. “Leading such an iconic, legendary brand has been an incredible honour and would not have been possible without my epic team of Contiki rockstars who have consistently ‘delivered the magic’ to our young travellers – and not without a lot of fun and laughter along the way,” Armstrong said. “To have recently achieved our highest guest satisfaction scores in the 60+ year history of the company is testament to the dedication and brilliance of the team around the world.” Prior to joining Contiki, Armstrong has held prominent roles at the likes of Silversea Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises. His departure comes as last summer TTC ended more than 100 years of private family ownership after it was acquired by US asset manager Apollo.

Former Classic Collection chief and industry veteran Andy Freeth has returned to travel with a newly created role at Travcorp Holdings. Freeth, who left Classic Collection in March 2024 after less than 18 months at the company's helm, will take full control of Travcorp Holdings subsidiary Destination2, reporting to the group’s executive chair Andrew Botterill. Commenting on the appointment, Botterill said: “Andy is no stranger to our team and board, having worked with many of us over the past two decades. His expertise, leadership, and vision make him the perfect choice to enhance our strategy, culture, and ongoing success." Prior to joining Classic Collection, Freeth has held a variety of leadership roles at some of the biggest names in travel – including dnata, If Only and JG Travel Group.

Sykes Holiday Cottages parent company Forge Holiday Group has appointed two new directors to accelerate the adoption of AI as well as to further develop technological capabilities across its brands. James Fothergill has joined as director of data and analytics and will be tasked with driving strategic decision-making and optimising operations. Meanwhile, PK Koszka has been appointed as technical director and will focus on overseeing the development of the group’s apps as well as supporting AI adoption. “The business has always led the way with innovation in the holiday let sector, but we want to stay ahead with AI and continue to improve our platform and services,” said chief technology officer Adam Platt. “Both James and PK’s skills and experience will support us with that.” It comes as the group – which owns Sykes Holiday Cottages, Forest Holidays and Bachcare – has invested £150 million in developing its UK portfolio.

Hays Travel in-house operator Vista has appointed Seaworld’s former senior trade support executive Claire King as its newest trade engagement partner for the south region. In her new role, she will work alongside Ross Fagan, who will focus on the north of the UK. “I can already see that Vista is strong on long-haul, cruise, and complex bookings – which is exactly what customers are looking for from agents, with the growth we are seeing in cruise and multi-destination holidays to faraway places,” she commented. “That’s exactly where Vista can step in, with expertise on the end of the phone to reassure customers and help agents to confirm those bookings.”

Celestyal has promoted trade marketing executive Sebastien Pelisse to the role of trade and influencer marketing manager for the UK, Australia and western Europe. Pelisse, who joined Celestyal in January 2024 after 18 months at Virgin Voyages, will now focus on expanding the cruise brand in key markets by creating B2B influencer marketing campaigns. “Here’s to an exciting new chapter of growth, innovation and success,” he wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Global Travel Collection has promoted Jennifer Hartnett to Colletts Travel general manager and Abhishek Shankar to UK director of partner relations and marketing. In her new role Hartnett, who joined GTC in 2020 as operations and contracts manager, will be tasked with enhancing the company’s growth by overseeing Colletts Travel’s financial and operational performance. Meanwhile, Shankar will focus on strengthening strategic alliances while driving engagement opportunities for GTC’s independent travel agent network. He joined parent company Internova Travel Group in 2018 as account manager for the hotel division, progressing to the role of partner relations and marketing senior manager following the creation of GTC. “Jennifer’s exceptional leadership and commitment to operational excellence have been instrumental in strengthening Colletts Travel and growing tour operations at the agency,” said GTC UK vice-president Francesca Mendola. “Abhishek’s expertise in building strong partnerships and delivering innovative solutions has elevated our supplier relations and marketing strategies. Their combined talent and dedication continue to drive value to our independent travel advisor business, growth and success across GTC.”

Delta Air Lines regional sales manager Nadia Clinton is set to step down after 30 years with the carrier. “I led the Delta UK sales team through many transformational changes, an incredible network expansion, and worked tirelessly to cement Delta’s amazing brand in the UK and Irish markets," Clinton, who joined Delta in 1995 as UK & Ireland country manager, said. "My passion for our industry will never fade. I will be keeping an eye on the news.”