Diane Court (pictured) has left upmarket tour operator Destinology to join JTA Travel Group as it looks to increase its support for the trade.
Court has been appointed head of business development across all markets for the JTA Travel Group.
JTA has revealed plans to launch a new trade website and aims to increase trade sales for its new tour operating brands Needacruise and MedSun, launched in the last year, with more “senior” appointments likely to be made early in 2015.
Group managing director Wayne Darrock said: “Diane’s experience and background at senior levels in our sector fits perfectly with our plans to enhance our senior management team and support record sales and growth we’ve seen over the last few years.
“We are expanding our trade support and specialist sales divisions which will commence with the launch of a new trade website.”
He added: “The Needacruise product has already established itself as one of the market leaders in trade sales wihin its first year and further expansion is planned in the new year and additional senior management appointments.”
Court said: “I am really excited to be able to work for a well-run and established independent tour operator and look forward to all the new challenges.”
Court joined Destinology in May last year as head of trade sales following the direct-sell operator’s decision to start offering holidays for sale via travel agents.
A 75% stake in Destinology, founded by Dom Speakman, the son of Travel Counsellors chairman David Speakman, was sold to Over-50s specialist Saga in August.
Previously Court worked for Freedom Travel Group, Gold Medal and Virgin Holidays, and she is well-known in the trade.