Sofitel Luxury Hotels is creating the first Sofitel North American Travel Agent Advisory Board (TAAB) assembled from owners and executives of top-producing agencies of the brand. The board, which held its first meeting march 27-29 and Washington, D.C., includes Priscilla Alexander, ProTravel; Jennifer Wilson, Valerie Wilson; Fabio Castellotto, Casto Travel; Martin Rapp, Altour; Jack Ezon, Ovation Travel; Jim Strong, Strong Travel; Bryan Leibman, Frosch Travel; Monica Varri, Lake Forrest Travel; Joseph Maza, Bannockburn Travel Mgt.; Daphne Bransten, Cardoza-Bungey Travel; Perla Georgino, Senator Travel; and Nina Myer, Travel Leaders.
Sofitel says the board will play a key role in marketing strategies and is part of a larger effort to strengthen the brand’s relationship with the travel trade community in North America. Sofitel’s objectives are to increase brand awareness in the U.S. and strengthen its position in the luxury hotel market. A new agent recognition program will also be introduced this year along with a new education program, Sofitel says. Visit www.sofitel.com.