Adam Bennett of British Airways and Gianni Salvadori of Melia Hotels have been appointed as Business Travel Association industry board partners.
Bennett is the airline’s manager of corporate and TMC sales in the UK, and corporate, TMC and leisure sales in Ireland.
He is accountable for the performance of the key account sales portfolio, consisting of 17 TMCs and 30 corporate clients in the UK, alongside 40 corporate and trade accounts in the Ireland.
Salvadori is the head of corporate sales for the UK, Ireland, Italy and Asia-Pacific at Melia Hotels International.
He oversees the company’s sales activities in the UK, Ireland and Europe, to increase brand awareness of Melia Hotels across the globe. His previous roles include managerial positions at Gulf Air and Qatar Airways.
Bennett and Salvadori will work to raise awareness of the role business travel plays in the UK economy while contributing to the BTA’s overall strategic plan.
BTA chief execuutive Clive Wratten said: “Both Adam and Gianni have outstanding experience, knowledge and most of all passion for our industry. I know they will represent the partner community well, alongside their colleagues who are already on the board.”
Bennett added: “As we look to welcome back international travel, we must ensure we support business travel and its community as much as possible.
“I am looking forward to contributing my 15 years of experience to growing the BTA’s global presence, and reaffirming British Airways’ commitment to business travel, TMC’s, their loyal partners and customers.”
Salvadori said: “Working within the business travel industry for over eight years, I understand its importance in keeping the overall travel sector going.
“My passion for collaboration paired with my dedication to the sector enables me to bring a wealth of understanding to the board, and I can’t wait to share my knowledge with Clive and the team.”