James Villas creates three-strong trade relations team

James Villas has created a team of three within its guest relations department to focus on supporting the trade and strengthening agent relations.

The trade relations team is led by manager Alison Burton, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, including 15 years with Thomas Cook and two at Hays.

She has held trade-facing roles at Stena Line and Sandals & Beaches Resorts and has worked extensively with multiples, homeworkers and independent agents.

Burton has been with James Villas for two years in sales and guest operations and leads the brand’s trade relations strategy.

This includes organising face-to-face and video sessions, in-branch training, coffee mornings, online and self-learning training modules, educational visits and incentives.

Joining Burton in the trade team are colleagues Aimie Fisher and Lauren White, both as guest operations specialists – trade relations.

More: James Villas promotes Dave Woollcott to general manager

Fisher started in travel during the pandemic, working as a self-employed travel agent before joining James Villas in 2022.

White joined James Villas in 2021 after studying travel and tourism at college and gaining industry experience in a family-run ski holiday business.

Both will work closely with agents on bookings, competitions and incentives.

Burton said: “I am really looking forward to working with the travel trade again, and reconnecting with industry colleagues.

“My team is fantastic and brings experience from throughout the business, to help and support our agent partners.”

General manager Dave Woollcott said: “I am thrilled to see us working more closely with travel agent partners.

“Alison and the team are hugely passionate about working with the trade and initial feedback from agents has been very positive.

“We have an incredible selection of villas and something for every budget and group size – from sprawling converted farmhouses perfect for extended family trips to cosy boltholes with luxury touches.

“Our Abta membership, low deposits, and excellent customer service both before and during holidays, means we are the natural choice for agents looking for a villa holiday for their customer.”

Woollcott took on the newly created role of general manager in July, tasked with developing the brand with particular focus on trade relations, marketing and the guest experience.