Classic Collection Holidays is eyeing expansion across the Mediterranean with the appointment of two new product and purchasing managers.
Mirko Buzzelli has taken on the position for Italy and Croatia while Alex Callahan (pictured) has joined in a newly created role to cover Balearics, mainland Spain and Gibraltar.
Italian-born Buzzelli was most recently product and purchasing manager at easyJet Holidays and Callahan – who was born in Barcelona – was previously product and purchasing manager at Yourtravel.
Alex Gavalda, Classic’s product and commercial director, said: “Both Mirko and Alex bring a wealth of experience and expertise to Classic. As true destination experts they’ll source new quality product to add to our existing programme and support our sales team with the breadth of knowledge that they bring to both roles.
“Their appointments underscore our commitment to destinations where we are already very well established and demonstrate our investment in the continued development and future success of these key short-haul destinations.
“Alex’s position, heading up the Balearics and mainland Spain, is a brand new role which reflects the growth that we plan in those destinations.”
Both recruits will oversee a dedicated team of product and purchasing executives.
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Buzzelli added: “I’m looking forward to offering a refreshed selection of hotels and itineraries to all our partners and customers.”
Callahan commented: “I’m looking forward to contributing to Classic Collection’s growth over the coming months with an expanded selection of hotels, experiences, multi-centres and tours.”
• The operator has also release its 2022 programme for Turkey, with 19 new properties and the introduction of Cappadocia.
The 76-page brochure highlights two-centre holidays, gulet cruising, boutique luxury hotels, and family-friendly five-star all-inclusive properties.
Gavalda said: “Our new brochure focuses on Turkey’s huge variety of product and underlines its appeal as more than just a fly and flop destination.
“Turkey continues to perform very well for us. It’s a perennial favourite on the UK market and is easily identifiable as a great value for money non-Euro destination.
“Sales for summer 2022 are encouraging.
“Our commercial advantage of using all airlines has paid dividends as Turkish carrier Corendon recently added new routes from Gatwick and Manchester to Bodrum for summer 2022, alongside established Glasgow, Newcastle and Birmingham departures to Dalaman and Antalya.”