Jesica Benitez, AmaWaterways. (Photo Credit: Jesica Benitez)
Bio
The daughter of immigrants, Jesica Benitez joined AmaWaterways in Reservations having never been to Europe. Today, she’s Director of National Accounts, leading some of the river cruise line’s most important partnerships. During the past three years, her national accounts have grown an average of 82.6%, with her portfolio representing nearly 15% of AmaWaterways’ overall revenue.
During her time with AmaWaterways, Benitez created an immersive six-week training program to help employees understand the brand’s guests and partners. The class became the most successful training class in AmaWaterways’ sales department. She’s now developing her third class of its kind.
She calls her brand of optimism one that “rolls up its sleeves,” and gets to work on something that she sees could be improved, and, after 17 years in the business, she still has her joy in her work.
Jesica Benitez is 38 years old.
“Being named to the TravelPulse 40 Under 40 is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Benitez. “Seventeen years ago, I never could have imagined where this industry would take me or the opportunities it would bring into my life. I’m grateful to the mentors, amazing colleagues and travel partners who have supported me, challenged me and helped me grow along the way. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and this recognition motivates me to keep building meaningful partnerships, creating opportunities for others and continuing to grow in an industry that has given me so much.”
Industry References
“At AmaWaterways, we have always believed that the heart of our company is our people. We often talk about looking for that special ‘sparkle,’” said Kristin Karst, Co-Founder & Chief Brand Ambassador, AmaWaterways. “It is something you cannot necessarily teach, but you know it when you see it. Jesica had that sparkle from the very beginning. I remember when she first joined us as a recent college graduate and the youngest person on our team. She began in Reservations and, over the next 17 years, grew through Groups, Inside Sales, Strategic Partner Networks and now into her role as Director of National Accounts.
“With every new chapter, Jesica learned another part of our business and found new ways to contribute. She helped build new areas of our company, roll out new initiatives and create processes that gave those programs structure. When Jesica sees something that needs to be done, she steps up. She is curious, engaged and always looking for ways to make things better for our partners and our team,” concluded Karst.
“Jessica represents the kind of next-generation travel-industry leader this recognition is designed to celebrate,” explains Joshua Harrell, Chief Revenue Officer at WorldVia. “She combines deep professionalism with an authentic commitment to people, particularly the travel advisors and partners she serves. Her ability to build relationships is not transactional; she invests the time to understand the needs, business goals, and challenges of the people and organizations around her. That approach has made her a trusted, effective representative of AmaWaterways and a valued collaborator across the broader travel community.”
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