The Travel Institute announces the appointment of Alex Pinelo, CTC, senior vice president of sales for AmaWaterways to its Board of Directors.
“I could not be more pleased to have Alex as the newest member of our diverse and dynamic board. An industry leader and true professional, he has consistently been a strong proponent about the vital value that well-educated agents provide,” shared Gary Pollard, CTC, chairman of The Travel Institute Board of Directors; president and CEO, Ambassador Tours. “His willingness to serve now demonstrates the continued value The Travel Institute provides while, at the same time, his invaluable insight as a supplier will undoubtedly buoy its continued growth and relevance.”
Pinelo started his career with Norwegian Cruise Lines spending nearly 30 years in several senior roles there, including vice president, key accounts. Also a member of the opening team for Disney Cruise Line, he spent four years helping launch the successful new brand in South Florida and Puerto Rico. In December 2016, he joined AmaWaterways as director for Latin America sales, leading to his current role.
A Certified Travel Counselor, or CTC, himself, Pinelo has long been passionate about how the non-profit education leader benefits various industry stakeholders, including suppliers. Joining an “impressive” board, he says he is excited to further The Travel Institute’s mission more directly now.
“Education, experience and enthusiasm are key to building a successful career in the travel industry. We see the value every day—credentialed advisors are not only better producers but they are also more confident and respected,” Pinelo asserted. “Getting certified is not required but it is critical. The time invested in achieving and maintaining TTI certification sets travel advisors down a proven path to reap the long-term rewards—for themselves and for our industry.”
Pinelo’s first board meeting was a multi-day session with board members and staff, who met to collaborate on The Travel Institute’s long-term vision and initiate a multi-year strategic plan to advance student education, stakeholder engagement, and funding opportunities. Citing board members’ diverse backgrounds and collective tenure; the leadership of Diane Petras, CTIE, president for The Travel Institute; and high engagement from all throughout the meeting, Pollard said the group’s dedication further supports that education translates into profitability for those agents who make the investment.
For longtime board member Jackie Friedman, CTIE, president, Nexion Travel Group, The Travel Institute continues to fill an important gap despite a myriad of options for agent learning. “There are a lot of training programs that are complimentary to certification but they are not competition for it. There is no doubt certification makes agents better at what they do and that it is their pathway to success,” she explained, adding she’s “honored” to be part of The Travel Institute’s story over the years as a student, a partner organization, and a board member.
In addition to Friedman, Pinelo and Pollard, The Travel Institute Board also includes:
- Rick Baron, CTC, former Managing Director, Global Sales, Tauck, Inc.
- Laurie Bohn-Isaure, CTIE, Senior Director, National Accounts, Silversea Cruises, Ltd.
- David Chait, CTIE, CEO and Founder, Travefy, Inc.
- Drew Daly, CTIE, Senior Vice President & General Manager – WTH/Dream Vacations
- Evan McElligott, CTA, President, Longer Vacations
- Patrick McGovern, CTIE, Director of Business Development, Ascedia
- Rick Meadows, CTC, former President, Seabourn Cruise Line
- Jill Romano, CTIE Candidate, Owner, Dimensions in Travel
Board members for The Travel Institute commit to three-year terms, volunteering their time and talent to support the non-profit education leader’s mission of advancing industry professionals through general governance, short- and long-term planning and strategy, and, at times, support of specific initiatives.
