New boss for Explore
Adventure tour operator Explore has promoted former director and general manager Ashley Toft to managing director.
Former managing director Simon Tobin, who previously held two positions – as m-d of Explore and m-d of parent company Holidaybreak’s Adventure Travel Division – is to focus more on divisional strategy, exploring acquisition opportunities and driving growth throughout Europe, according to the company.
Derek Moore, a founder director of Explore, continues as director of aviation. He is also chairman of the Association of Independent Tour Operators, having taken over the position in April.
Explore recently announced a 36.5% increase in sales through UK travel agents over the last 12 months.
“Many agents are benefiting from selling Explore tours through the company’s offer of sustained high commission levels, comprehensive training opportunities and innovative reward schemes such as the Champions League, which rewards top-selling travel agents with free holidays,” the company said.
Toft, who joined the operator as a tour leader in 1988, said: “I am thrilled to be taking on the role of m-d at a time when there are so many exciting developments taking place at Explore. The Worldwide brochure for 2007-8 includes 36 new itineraries and the company is continuing to lead the way in pioneering adventure trips and responsible tourism.”
Tobin said: “It’s always very satisfying to be able to promote home-grown talent from within the company. I have every confidence that Ashley will both maintain and improve upon Explore’s market-leading position and that we will see a lot more innovation from Explore via him and his young and vibrant management team.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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