2010's Top Supplier Sales Reps

River Cruising

Elyse Reilly

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Sales Manager New York & New England

Reilly started as a Liberty Travel agent on Long Island, then became a regional service manager with the Travelsavers consortium in Oyster Bay, NY. She has been with Uniworld since 2001 as a sales manager (with the exception of the time she took off to have a child) and covers the New York and New England area. “I truly believe in the quality and uniqueness of my product, which makes my job much easier,” she says. “I appreciate and value the support of the travel agents, and in turn support them in whatever way I [can].”

Kristen Steele

Globus Family of Brands (including Avalon Waterways), Business Development Manager

“I have passion for my job,” says Steele, and notes that agents find marketing ideas “refreshing” in a constantly changing industry. “They appreciate the extra effort and support, which enables them to partner with local non-competitive businesses. For example, who would think [of] promoting a river-cruise group by partnering with local vet, wine shop or yoga studio? Most of the ideas and creative marketing approaches do not require out-of-pocket expenses for the agent, unless new business is created.” Her career began with Certified Vacations in 1996 as a reservation agent. She then moved to inside sales, before becoming a sales promotions assistant. “This turned into a career and passion for the travel industry,” she recalls. She spent 10 years representing the Caribbean all-inclusive, Couples, Sandals & Beaches Resorts. Steele joined the Globus family of brands in March 2008 as business development manager for premier accounts in South Florida and Puerto Rico.

Forrest Cramer

Viking River Cruises, District Sales Manager, New England

Cramer, an industry veteran with more than 40 years’ experience, has high praise for the people of the industry. “I recently had an injury while at a trade show on behalf of Viking,” he recalls, “and the outpouring of care and concern was remarkable and humbling. From other suppliers to travel agents to our fantastic Viking team, it reminded me why I have so enjoyed this business.” He began his career with AAA after serving seven years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Force. He later joined the Henry Davis Corp. as a district sales manager for New England. In 1991, he purchased the representation division of the company and continues to provide independent representation to the industry on behalf of the Aruba Tourism Authority, Auto Europe and Dollar/Thrifty Rent a Car. 

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