Four travel industry bosses have joined the leadership team of supplier marketing organisation Tipto.
The additions are Luke Smith, head of international sales for Carnival Cruise Line; John Fair, UK sales director for CroisiEurope; Leanne Murfin, retail development manager for the north at Holiday Extras; and Shane Riley, international sales vice-president at Virgin Voyages.
They join the current leadership team of Stuart Cowell (Newmarket Holidays); Graham Brooks (RCD Hotels); Edwina Coppock (Titan Travel); and Vishal Patel (Travelpack), with direction from Tipto chairman Nick Hughes (pictured).
Their aim is to develop and increase the membership organisation as it approaches its 24th year.
The team members meet regularly to steer Tipto’s strategy, to ensure it supports UK travel agents and its tour operator members with roadshows, events and online training.
Riley commented: “I have been a long-time admirer of the work of Tipto and since Virgin Voyages joined last year my admiration has grown.
“I firmly believe we are stronger together. Tipto is the best example of the travel industry coming together to provide epic support and events for travel agents.
“I look forward to help shaping the future of Tipto – we certainly have a lot of exciting ideas.”
Murfin said she had been an agent for 14 years before joining Holiday Extras so knows about the benefits of attending Tipto events.
“You can learn so much from them and that knowledge sets you above the competition; not only that you get to know your local point of contact, all while having fun and enjoying a meal and maybe a glass of wine,” she said.
Fair added: “Tipto has been invaluable to both myself and CroisiEurope as we look to rebuild momentum post the pandemic and to reach high-calibre UK travel agents, both shop-based and homeworkers.”
Hughes welcomed the new members, saying their experience and diverse backgrounds can help support the development of Tipto.