DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A&K Travel Group has announced several new hires and promotions within its trade sales teams.

AKTG is the parent company of Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal.

Among the new hires, the most relevant for the Canadian trade is the addition of Glen Rothe as VP, Trade Sales, Crystal, based at Crystal’s Aventura, FL office.

Rothe will be responsible for managing trade relationships and sales for Crystal. He brings 30 years of experience in the travel industry and extensive cruise industry experience from NCL where he was responsible for US$1 billion in revenue and led successful sales teams for more than a decade.

Rothe will be recruiting four new sales directors for North America and multiple inside account executive roles to enhance Crystal’s support for the U.S. and Canada trade partners.

Also of interest in this market, Jacqueline Leyva has also joined Crystal as VP, Trade Reservations, Air, & Turnaround Operations in the Aventura, FL office, providing reservations leadership support for both North America and LATAM trade partners.

Leyva also brings 30 years of industry experience, having worked for companies such as SeaDream Yacht Club, Cunard and Atlas Ocean Voyages.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time at A&K Travel Group,” said Marett Taylor, Chief Sales Officer. “With strong forward bookings and a record year of 2023 sales, the successful relaunch of Crystal, and an amazing group of new sales leaders, we are poised for great success. We remain dedicated to our travel advisor community and equipping our sales teams to deliver the highest level of service. We have robust plans to expand educational opportunities, invest in sales and marketing resources, and offer other initiatives to help our trade partners grow their businesses.”