Explora Journeys expands US commercial team under Chris Austin

Two new business relationship leads for national and key accounts were appointed — Camilo Duque in the US West Jonathan Suarez in the US East.

Explora Journeys also introduced Joseph Barney as business relationship lead for the US West and Allison Farrell for the Northeast to spearhead the partnerships with luxury agencies in their respective regions.

The additions are 'further confirmation that we are here to support the travel advisor community now and for the long haul,' Chief Sales Officer Chris Austin said

'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,' said Chris Austin, chief sales officer, Explora Journeys.

CEO Michael Ungerer had signaled the additional appointments during last month's Explora I inaugural in New York.

Camilo Duque

Duque brings more than 17 years of experience promoting tourism for ProColombia, the country's promotion agency, part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, from offices in Miami, New York and Los Angeles. He is based in Laguna Beach, California.

Jonathan Suarez

Suarez is a luxury travel professional who 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.

Joseph Barney

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

Allison Farrell 

Farrell has experience with cruise lines and luxury resorts, including Playa Hotels & Resorts and Celebrity Cruises, as well as Club Med and others.