TORONTO — Insight Vacations CEO Ulla Hefel Böhler says she plans to usher in a 40th anniversary campaign in her first full year leading the company.

Meeting with the travel trade and consumer press yesterday on her first trip to Canada, Böhler said 2018 “is a milestone year for Insight Vacations,” marking 40 years since the tour operator was founded in the UK, on April 13, 1978, to be precise.

“It’s my pleasure to be taking Insight Vacations into the future. There are exciting times ahead,” she said. “And one thing that will never change is that our customers are at the heart of everything we do.”

It’s been less than a year since Böhler took up the reins at Insight Vacations but her career at The Travel Corporation spans 13 years, going back to 2005 just after TTC bought Uniworld.

After an initial stint as Director of Program Services for Uniworld, and later Director of Business Development, she moved to London to take on the role of Director of Operations for Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations and Grand European Tours, all under the TTC umbrella.

In April 2016 she became VP Operations and Special Projects for The Travel Corporation. “And then in spring 2017 I was offered the amazing opportunity to take over the reins from John Boulding as CEO of Insight Vacations,” says Böhler.

The Travel Corporation’s CEO Brett Tollman credits Bohler for significantly increasing the company’s guided holiday and escorted touring delivery and guest ratings. “She has been brilliant in enhancing and improving the guests’ experience and service in her prior role,” said Tollman when Bohler took on the job of CEO in May 2017.

Böhler points out that Insight’s website features word-for-word client reviews, offering fellow travellers the unvarnished truth about the company’s product. “We’re so confident about the experiences we deliver that we don’t need to hide behind marketing speak,” she said.

Talking about guiding touring, she adds: “Yes you’re travelling as a group but at the end of the day what matters most is that you as an individual have your dreams exceeded.”

Europe sales are booming, she notes. “Europe is absolutely strong again. Eastern Europe is flying off the shelves. If anyone wants to go to Croatia you should book it yesterday. Seats are going fast.”

France sales are also on the upswing. “France is absolutely coming back which is delightful to see. Egypt is also on the rise. It’s always been a very important part of our portfolio.”