Explora Journeys Expands Its US Based Commercial Team, Fortifying Industry Experience

by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:20 AM ET, Thu November 16, 2023

WHY IT RATES: The new hires will strengthen the Explora Journeys brand in North America. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulse

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, has expanded its North American sales team strengthening the management of key partnerships with top consortia and larger National and Key Accounts. Camilo Duque, has been appointed as the Business Relationship Lead for National & Key Accounts in the U.S. West, and Jonathan Suarez, was appointed as the Business Relationship Lead for National & Key Accounts in the U.S. East.

Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, Explora Journeys said, “It is a very exciting time at Explora Journeys, as we enter our fifth month with EXPLORA I in operation. Our commitment to the travel advisor community remains at the forefront of all we do and having the opportunity to continue to grow our commercial field sales team with highly respected and talented professionals is further confirmation that we are here to support the travel advisor community now and for the long haul.”

Camilo Duque, has over 17 years of experience promoting tourism and exploration in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles, and is passionate about connecting people with their curiosity for travel. He is based in Laguna Beach, California.

Jonathan Suarez, a luxury travel professional with a finance degree from The University of Florida, Jonathan honed his skills at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises as a Manager of National Accounts, specializing in revenue analysis, management, and relationship-building. He is based in Miami.

Further, Explora Journeys introduced Joseph Barney as Business Relationship Lead for the U.S. West and Allison Farrell as Business Relationship Lead for the Northeast. They will spearhead the partnerships with luxury agency partners in their respective regions.

Joseph Barney has held senior roles at Crystal Cruises, Atlantis Events, Uniworld, and Classic Vacations, consistently boosting revenue through strong partner relationships.

Allison Farrell boasts experience with tour operators, cruise lines, and luxury resorts, including Playa Hotels & Resorts and Celebrity Cruises and she's well-versed in collaborating with luxury-focused travel advisors and consortia.

Explora Journeys represents the ambition and long-held dream of the MSC Group and the owner’s family to create a transformative luxury ocean travel experience and brand that redefines luxury ocean travel. EXPLORA I is currently sailing in the Caribbean. This spring, the luxury ship will pursue the U.S West Coast and Hawaii before returning to Europe in Summer 2024 for a series of sailings in the Mediterranean Sea with many itineraries including lesser-travelled ports for guests to enjoy a different perspective of a destination.

SOURCE: Explora Journeys press release.