Celestyal has announced two new appointments: A business development manager for the newly created South-Central U.S. region, following the split of the previous larger Central territory in two (with the North Central area continuing to be managed by Maria Triantos, based in Chicago), and a new inside sales executive. Kathleen Levy has been appointed to the position of business development manager for the new South-Central region, based in Texas. Kristina Murphy has been appointed as inside sales executive, based in Washington. Both Levy and Murphy will report to Jon Grutzner, vice president business development, North America.
Levy is responsible for growing Celestyal’s footprint in the South-Central region, and developing the company’s distribution through key travel advisor networks, groups and tour operator channels to maximize trade awareness, training and marketing in their respective territories. She will also represent the company at industry events. Prior to joining Celestyal, Levy worked as key accounts and business development manager for Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Uniworld and Red Carnation Hotels.
Murphy will work closely with the North American business development team to provide extensive partner service and support while proactively developing a portfolio of new prospective travel advisors. Before joining Celestyal, Murphy worked as an independent travel advisor for Main Street Magic, LLC, and previously as community manager for Sparkle Athletic. She also worked as a guest services specialist for Walt Disney Company in Florida.
In addition, Celestyal has launched its first-ever online training program, Celestyal Stars. The education program provides travel advisors with a “one-stop shop” for all things Celestyal, including tools to help advisors make a cruise booking, along with tips on how to earn additional commissions on pre-bookable items and upgrades. The program, administered by Equator Learning, is presented in nine user-friendly immersive modules:
- Online Training: Helps advisors gain the knowledge necessary to create memorable Celestyal experiences for their guests. This includes details on Celestyal’s ships, immersive, multi-destination focused itineraries, shore excursions, including the recently launched “Authentic Encounters,” intimate hands-on shore excursions, and other pre-bookable add-ons and upgrades
- Competitions & Incentives: Includes information on booking incentives and promotions
- Webinars: Keeps advisors abreast of the latest webinar schedule
- Events: News on special events and details of where to find the Celestyal business development team over the coming months
- Industry Offers: Includes special advisor rates so industry partners can experience Celestyal’s Greek hospitality for themselves
- Current Campaigns & Offers: Highlights the latest promotions, including the “Wave Season” campaign valid until Feb 28, 2023
- Groups: Includes dedicated information and tools to sell Celestyal to the group market
- Advisor Toolbox: Highlights include brochures, excursions, deck plans and an in-depth explanation of Celestyal’s fare types
- Your Team: Provides contact details on Celestyal’s North American business development team
To celebrate the launch of Celestyal Stars, the first 100 advisors to successfully complete the training program will receive a copy of Greek cuisine expert Diane Kochilas’ “My Greek Table” cookbook. All agents completing the training will become a “Celestyal Star” and will be first in line for FAM trips and other exclusive opportunities.
For more information, visit www.celestyalstars.com.
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