Santa Barbara’s El Encanto Names Thornton Sales Director
Orient-Express Hotels appointed Ellen Thornton as director of sales for El Encanto, the hotel built in the early 20th-century that is located in Santa Barbara’s American Riviera. The property is being restored and is slated to open in March 2013. In her new role, Thornton will oversee all overall sales efforts for El Encanto, driving leisure, group and incentive business for the luxury property.
Thornton previously served as the opening director of sales at Montage Beverly Hills for nearly four years where she developed travel industry, corporate, entertainment, group and incentive markets, and cultivated the upscale leisure market. Thornton also has managed North America regional sales efforts for Hotel de Crillon in Paris, Hotel Martinez in Cannes, Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice and the western region for Leading Hotels of the World.
