Libra Holidays has appointed industry heavyweights Michael East and Eamonn Ferrin to its interim management team following its recent rescue deal.
East, managing director of Eastcastle Management Group, and Ferrin, until recently managing director of MyTravel-owned BCT Travel Group, are both on the tour operator’s new senior team. It is rumoured East will take on the role of chairman – a role he held at Libra several years ago.
Currently chief executive of parent company Libra Holidays Group Andreas Drakou is interim managing director. It is not known whether Ferrin will take on this role.
The operator – which is using World Travel Market this week to reassure hoteliers it is business as normal – said the team will be charged with improving its relationships with trade partners and repositioning the company and its products for 2008.
The news follows the recent injection of capital from private investors Allbury, which took a 35% shareholding earlier this month in return for a £1 million payment, and the resignation of managing director Akis Kyprianou.
The Greece and Cyprus specialist has plans to bolster its hotel stock at WTM as it gears up for an aggressive assault on the dynamic packaging market for 2008.
Sales and marketing manager Riccardo Benzo said: “In the past we have offered places such as Florida. Now is the time to concentrate on our core areas of Cyprus, Greece and Egypt and do them well.”
Libra plans to target agents with its accommodation-only offering next year to win business back from bed banks.
Benzo added: “We want to emphasise the point that any of the packages in our brochure can be sold as components. We are paying commission of 15% on hotel bookings because it is easier for agents to administer than getting a net rate and adding a mark-up.”
Meanwhile, Benzo said Libra is seeking new product to build on the success of its dive brand Goldenjoy.