Travel Weekly and TravelAge West have launched the Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) Advisory Board. The nine advisory board members were selected from a pool of more than 400 past attendees and each will serve a two-year term.
GTM and GTM West are travel industry events that connect top-producing advisers in North America with cruise, hotel, tour and destination suppliers through one-on-one appointments, boardroom presentations and networking events over the course of two-and-a-half days. Participants undergo a rigorous screening process, which evaluates their business model, confirms annual sales and requires industry references prior to being accepted into the event.
The inaugural board meeting was held at the St. Regis New York last week. The board members are Donna Alkarmi, owner, Lone Star Travel; Rob Clabbers, owner, Q Cruise + Travel; Lisa Fletcher, independent contractor, Signature Escapes; Deb Fogarty, owner, Be Well Travel; Ginny Mariano, owner, Avanti World Travel; Geoff Millar, owner, Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel; Rebecca Norrbom, frontline agent, Holiday Cruises & Tours; Connie Risse, owner, Ships & Trips Travel; and Melissa Varela, owner, Modern Romance Travel.
"The GTM Advisory Board members have proven themselves to be some of best travel advisers in the business. With diverse business models, backgrounds, tenure and expertise, the group provides an invaluable perspective on the industry and travel advisor needs," said Alicia Evanko-Lewis, senior vice president of events, Travel Group, Northstar Travel Group.
"As true pros, these advisors also understand the ever-changing nature of the travel industry. They recognize the value in furthering their product knowledge, creating valuable relationships, growing their networks, and are dedicated to helping other advisors do the same. Our GTM events create a platform for just that, ensuring they're fully equipped to meet clients' needs."
GTM West will take place at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Ariz., May 4 to 6, followed by its sister event, GTM, held at the Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Fla., Aug. 21 to 23.
"Our GTM events are now established as premier travel adviser events. With four years and more than 400 thoroughly vetted travel advisor participants among our alumni, we are constantly striving to keep our events best in class and provide our advisers and suppliers with the most rewarding experience both financially and professionally," said Evanko-Lewis.
To apply and become a part of the GTM experience, visit www.globaltravelmarketplace.com.