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After a decade of collaborative partnership since acquiring Focus Tours in 2007, Tourvest DMC prepares to bid farewell to Simona Battani and Paola Catinella on October 31.
“Their contribution towards building one of the strongest incoming Italian operators in the industry rests on 25 years’ worth of experience across multiple Italian market sectors; the invaluable partnerships they have built and nurtured; and the unparalleled commitment to being of service in an industry they genuinely love,” says Martin Botha, COO for Tourvest DMC.
Botha explains that the acquisition of Focus Tours by Tourvest in 2007 was a strategic move to gain market share in Italy, and has proven to be very successful. “Italy now ranks as one of Tourvest DMC’s largest source markets, and remains a top priority for us.”
Battani and Catinella’s success in the Italian market can be attributed to their deep understanding of Italian culture, crafting products and services that resonate with Italian operators and travellers alike.
The team of consultants that they are entrusting the business to have been schooled in Battani and Catinella’s ‘Italian way’ and, according to Botha, are passionate and uncompromising in demanding only the best for their clients.
Botha adds: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Julie Mackenzie and Debora Maestroni to senior positions in the Italian department. They will assist with the seamless transition already under way, and will maintain the impeccable standards to which our people and partners have become accustomed.”
Mackenzie, who joined Tourvest DMC in May, is well known and respected in the industry, according to Botha. “It was thanks to her love and affinity for all things Italian that we were able to lure her to Tourvest DMC to take up the senior position of Key Account Manager in the Italian department.”
Maestroni will take up the position of Market Manager Italy, effective November 1, and is no stranger to the Italian market. Her decision to return to South Africa after residing in Italy for many years could not have come at a better time, explains Botha. Much of Maestroni’s working life has seen her advancing tourism from Italy to Southern Africa. Her career has spanned inbound and outbound, with South African Airways Italy, as well as independent representation of South African products.
“Ferruccio Tirone, Owner of representation company Controvento and long-time friend and ally of South Africa, has been crucial to our success in Italy and will continue to manage and co-ordinate trade partnerships on behalf of Tourvest DMC in Italy,” says Botha.
Sales Director, Suzanne Benadie, says: “I’m delighted to be continuing our sales efforts in Italy with Tirone, and welcoming Maestroni to our existing team of Market Managers.”
This shift for Battani and Catinella is with both sadness and excitement as they prepare for their next phase of their journey. “What a journey this has been; thrilling and all-consuming from the very beginning. As we look back and remember our many lessons and achievements, we feel the time is now right for us to take a step back to pause and take stock. We will truly miss the wonderful energy and camaraderie we have so enjoyed, but leave with hearts at peace as we know that the team we hand over to will continue the tradition of serving with passion and excellence. Our sincere gratitude to Tourvest for always believing in us.”
Source: tourismupdate.co.za
