60 | TRADE NEWS
www.nitravelnews.com
March 2026
GOLD Medal Travel Group has increased its trade commitment through its appointment of
Olivia Martin as
its
first Northern Ireland‑based Trade Partnerships Executive. This expansion means a brand‑new resource for agents based in Northern Ireland, in addition to the team throughout Scotland and England. Olivia joins Gold Medal following almost 7 years as a Senior Travel Consultant with Terra Travel, where last year she was named Northern Ireland Travel Consultant of the Year. On joining the business, Olivia said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Gold Medal team and being part of a trade-only brand that genuinely champions travel agents. Being the first Trade Partnerships Executive on the ground in Northern Ireland is a real achievement for me, and a great opportunity to enhance the strong relationships that are already in place through dedicated and visible support for our partners.” Gold Medal appointed its first Trade Partnerships Executive 18 months ago, and the team has already grown to six. Basing a Trade Partnerships Executive in Northern Ireland marks a move beyond the current model,
strengthening accessibility and presence and aiming to raise the standards for how the Northern Irish travel trade can be supported by tour operators.
ABTA LifeLine
welcomes three new trustees to its Board
FOLLOWING a rigorous recruitment process to appoint new Trustees to the ABTA LifeLine Board, the charity is delighted to welcome three senior figures from across the travel industry. Jody Rolfe, Finance Director at TUI, Lisa McAuley,
Managing Director at World
Travel Holdings UK and Zoe Powell, Director at Xeinadin will join the Board from 26 February 2026.
Gold Medal Travel Group Welcome First Northern Ireland-Based Trade Partnerships Executive
Simon Applebaum, Managing Director at Gold Medal said: “We know from speaking to our agent partners that having a presence on the frontline makes all the difference. Agents in Northern Ireland deserve someone at the end of the street, not just the end of a phone or via email, and we believe the best way to show our commitment to our Northern Ireland-based agents is to give them a dedicated person who is based in their market and can visit them when they need, sit with them at their desks, and really understand the challenges and opportunities that they encounter, supporting them when – and where – they need it the most.”
Their combined expertise and strategic insight will support the charity’s aims to expand awareness of its work – helping more people access the vital services provided
by LifeLine. It will also be
beneficial in strengthening fundraising and ultimately enhancing the support available to current and former employees of ABTA members—and their dependants—who are facing financial hardship or going through a difficult period in their lives. The charity provides practical, financial
and emotional support in a time of need. Since the beginning of January LifeLine has helped travel professionals with priority bills, food and essential household items,
In her new role, Olivia will focus on
strengthening relationships providing tailored training, sales support and market insight across the Gold Medal Travel Group brands.
Karen Fletcher, Director of Trade
Partnerships added: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome
Olivia to the team as our first Northern Ireland-based Trade Partnerships Executive. Olivia will be out on the road, in stores and meeting with homeworkers, delivering face- to-face training, and sharing product insight. I’ve no doubt that she will be an asset to our team and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
as well as debt and benefit advice amongst other things. Nothing is too big or too small for the charity to consider. If you have ever worked for an ABTA member you would be eligible to apply for support. Jody Rolfe, Finance Director, TUI, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Board of ABTA LifeLine as a Trustee. The charity provides vital support to people across the travel industry when they need it most. I care deeply about the difference this practical support can make, and I’m proud to be able to contribute my financial experience to help ensure ABTA LifeLine can continue to develop and expand its impact.”
St. Kitts Appoints Chelcie Lewis as UK Sales & Marketing Consultant
EXPERIENCED UK travel industry specialist joins to support trade growth and awareness. The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has appointed Chelcie Lewis as UK Sales and Marketing Consultant, strengthening its presence in the British market. With 16 years’ experience in the
UK travel industry, including roles with luxury tour operators, Caribbean hotels and tourism boards, Chelcie brings extensive market knowledge and established trade relationships. In her new role, she will lead UK
sales and marketing activity, working closely with airlines, tour operators and the travel trade to raise awareness of St. Kitts and drive visitor growth. She will also support UK travel agents in partnership with the Tourism Authority’s trade sales team. Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St.
Kitts Tourism Authority, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Chelcie Lewis to our UK team. Her deep knowledge of the UK travel market and passion for the Caribbean make her a compelling in ‑ market ambassador for St. Kitts and an invaluable asset to the touris m authority. We look forward to seeing her drive growth and further strengthen the relationships with our valued UK
trade
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