Gold Medal recruits agent as first Ireland‑based trade partnerships executive

Gold Medal Travel Group has recruited Olivia Martin as its first Ireland‑based trade partnerships executive.

Martin joins Gold Medal following almost seven years as a senior travel consultant with Portadown’s Terra Travel, where she was named Northern Ireland Travel Consultant of the Year in 2025.

Gold Medal said this “strategic” expansion means a new dedicated resource for agents in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in addition to the established team throughout Scotland and England.  

Martin said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Gold Medal team and being part of a trade-only brand that genuinely champions travel agents.

“Being the first trade partnerships executive on the ground in Northern Ireland is a real achievement for me, and a great opportunity to enhance the strong relationships that are already in place through dedicated and visible support for Ireland-based partners.”

Gold Medal appointed its first trade partnerships executive just 18 months ago, and the team has already grown to six.

The group highlighted the value of having someone based in a territory who understands its nuances and is available for in-person visits.

Simon Applebaum, managing director at Gold Medal, said: “We know from speaking to our agent partners that having a presence on the frontline makes all the difference.

“Agents in Ireland deserve someone at the end of the street, not just the end of a phone or via email, and we believe the best way to show our commitment to our Ireland-based agents is to give them a dedicated person who is based in their market and can visit them when they need, sit with them at their desks, and really understand the challenges and opportunities that they encounter, supporting them when – and where – they need it the most.” 

In her new role, Olivia will focus on strengthening relationships with travel agents across Ireland, providing tailored training, sales support and market insight across the Gold Medal Travel Group brands. 

Karen Fletcher, director of trade partnerships, added: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Olivia to the team as our first Ireland-based trade partnerships executive.

“Olivia will be out on the road, in stores and meeting with homeworkers, delivering face-to-face training, and sharing product insight.”