Flights Business Specialist

Exoticca seeks additional BDMs as trade sales treble. Exoticca is recruiting an additional two business development managers in the UK as it seeks continued growth in trade sales on the back of a 300% increase in the year to date. Neil Sealy, managing director for the UK and Ireland, said one of the new recruits would cover Scotland and the other would be responsible for the Midlands and the southwest. The tour operator, which launched to the UK in 2017 and started selling through agents in 2023, has trebled its trade sales year on year for the period from January to early July, with B2B sales now representing 25% of business. "It's definitely the fastest-growing area of the business in the UK," said Sealy, who works alongside two colleagues in the UK and Ireland. Michelle Thake currently covers the Midlands and the south, while Richard Hey is responsible for the north. Sealy said the company would again bid to at least double its trade sales next year, noting the growing number of agents becoming familiar with the Barcelona-headquartered brand. He cited Tipto roadshows and Atas events as among the "really useful" ways of meeting new agents. "We've actually very often seen new agents make bookings with us within a week or two of roadshows," he added. Over the past few weeks, the heatwave and the Fifa World Cup have represented additional challenges for the business, Sealy said, but trading has remained strong. "We're still selling well," he said, adding the top-selling destinations are Peru, Japan, China and South Africa. He said he hoped the additional BDMs would be in place by September, ready for the business' peak selling month. "Our busiest month for sales is November, not January," he said. "The reason for that is we do very good Black Friday offers but October and November are very good booking months for touring anyway."

Desirée Rolle returns to Exoticca as dir. of sales, Western ON & Atlantic Canada. 06-08-2026 11:20 am Michael Pihach is an award-winning journalist with a keen interest in digital storytelling. In addition to PAX, Michael has also written for CBC Life, Ryerson University Magazine, IN Magazine, and DailyXtra.ca. Michael joins PAX after years of working at popular Canadian television shows, such as Steven and Chris, The Goods and The Marilyn Denis Show. The band's back together. After a stint at The Armstrong Collective (the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer), Desirée Rolle is back in the sales seat at Exoticca, returning to the "next-gen" tour operator as director of sales for Western Ontario and Atlantic Canada, PAX has learned. Rolle - who also once represented Couples Resorts - first joined Exoticca in 2024 as director of sales for Eastern Ontario. After departing in fall of 2025 to pursue an opportunity in the luxury rail sector, she has now returned to the company with a larger territory. "There are so many reasons why I'm returning to Exoticca," said Rolle in a statement to PAX, "but I'll keep it short and sweet!" "First, the people. The team is absolutely amazing, and I truly missed them. I'm so excited to see everyone again and give out some giant hugs!" "Second, I've always had a huge passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. Exoticca gives people incredible opportunities to discover some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet, and that's something I simply couldn't pass up." Rolle also returns with many lessons under her belt. "I've had the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing people over the last few months and I'm incredibly grateful for the friendships and relationships I've built along the way," she said. "In this industry, relationships are everything." One of the biggest lessons she has learned, in recent months, is that "sometimes you need to leave the nest and embark on your own journey before realizing that home is calling you back." "Stepping away can give you a fresh perspective and help you see the bigger picture," said Rolle. "While change can be intimidating, it's often necessary for growth and evolution." "These experiences have given me an even greater appreciation for the exciting growth happening at Exoticca. I look forward to sharing that enthusiasm with the incredible advisors I work with and helping guide them through all the exciting opportunities ahead." Exciting opportunities ahead. Exoticca, which is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, first launched in 2013 to serve the European market. It made its Canadian debut in 2019. In recent years, the travel company, which sells tours led by local guides in 60-plus countries, has more than doubled its size in Canada. "There are so many exciting opportunities ahead for Exoticca!" said Rolle. "The growth the company is experiencing is incredible, and one of the things I love most is how open the team is to listening to feedback and ideas from our valued partners." "Those partnerships play a huge role in helping drive innovation and continued success. I truly believe this is only the beginning, and I can't wait to see what's next." One thing she's looking forward to the most is hosting "the most incredible comeback FAM" with travel advisors. Additionally: "I'm genuinely excited to be working with the team again," said Rolle. "I can't wait to get back on the road, connect with advisors, and share all the amazing opportunities Exoticca offers for both travel professionals and their clients," she said. A word from D.W. Diana Winters, vice president of sales at Exoticca, is "thrilled" to welcome Rolle back to the team. "It feels like a homecoming," Winters told PAX. "I know I speak for my entire team when I say we are ecstatic. The band is back together." Diana Winters, vice president of sales at Exoticca. (Supplied) How will the trade community benefit? "Desirée knows Exoticca well," Winters said. "She'll be able to hit the ground running and pick right up where she left off. She is incredibly customer centric and that extra care and support she provides to advisors is precisely why she is so loved." Rolle's return also couldn't have come at a better time. "Exoticca's growth has continually multiplied year over year at levels that are truly remarkable," said Winters. "This will result in even better coverage on the ground and even better service." Exoticca's director of sales team in Canada now consists of the following individuals: * Desirée Rolle - Director of Sales - Ontario West & Atlantic Canada - [email protected] * Andi Bacho - Director of Sales - Northern Ontario & Ontario East - [email protected] * Maryanne Dube - Director of Sales- Quebec - [email protected] * Sharon Wilson - Director of Sales - AB, MB, SK - [email protected] * Cindy Chau - Director of Sales, BC - [email protected]

Andi Bacho joins Exoticca as director of sales, Ontario. Michael Pihach is an award-winning journalist with a keen interest in digital storytelling. In addition to PAX, Michael has also written for CBC Life, Ryerson University Magazine, IN Magazine, and DailyXtra.ca. Michael joins PAX after years of working at popular Canadian television shows, such as Steven and Chris, The Goods and The Marilyn Denis Show. 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. From left (of Exoticca): Mike Quinto, senior vice-president, North America Commercial; Diana Winters, vice president of sales, Canada. (Pax Global Media) "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 [email protected]