Former Barbados Tourism Marketing business development officer Marc McCollin has joined CV Villas with the aim of positioning the specialist as a “key player” in the Caribbean.
The move follows a 47% hike in sales to Barbados to date this year compared with 2019.
McCollin has become the villa specialist’s new destination expert for the Caribbean after moving back to the destination earlier this year. He will cover the islands through a contact rep phone service.
McCollin has 20 years’ marketing and hospitality experience and worked as senior business development officer at the official tourist marketing organisation for Barbados while previous roles include a stint as executive director with Intimate Hotels of Barbados.
He said: “Working for the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc for the last seven years has provided me with unparalleled relationships with key stakeholders in the Caribbean market which I look forward to bringing to CV Villas.
“With a selection of new villas added to its portfolio this year, my goal is to grow CV Villas portfolio within the Caribbean in the next few years and ultimately position them as a key player in the Caribbean.
” I very much look forward to supporting travel agents’ customers in resort with up-to-date knowledge and assistance throughout their holiday to ensure they have the utmost memorable experience whilst staying at a CV Villa.”
CV Villas has added a selection of new Barbados properties such as Villa Onyx and Villa Greensleeves to its programme following this year’s rise in sales.
The operator said trends showed smaller groups and couples were opting for villa stays because they offer value for money in long-haul destinations.
McCollin joins a team of destination experts at CV Villas, who work closely with villa owners and managers as well as local excursion operators and restaurants.