Amid booming business, Bench Africa has completed its Australian sales team lineup with the appointment of Lucy Smith as Business Development Manager for Victoria.
Smith joins Graham Werner (Queensland/Northern NSW), Alex Fayan (NSW) and Andy Kirkman (Head of Trade Relations, covering remaining states and territories) at the Africa travel specialist.
Smith brings valuable experience from both sides of the travel desk, having worked as a travel agent and a Business Development Manager for Designer Journeys.
According to Bench Africa, her passion for travel, industry knowledge and engaging personality also make her a great fit for the company.
In addition, her appointment reinforces Bench Africa’s commitment to supporting travel agents, particularly as demand for African safaris and tailor-made itineraries continues to rise.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do is travel – experience travel, work in travel, and be part of a community that shares the same passion,” Smith says.
“I grew up in a small rural town on a cattle farm, quite sheltered from the world. Leaving Australian soil for the first time was terrifying, but I soon discovered that being culturally shocked was one of my favourite things.
“Since then, I have travelled to over 30 countries, constantly seeking inspiration – especially through food!
“I am beyond excited to join the Bench Africa team and help agents showcase the incredible travel opportunities Africa has to offer.”
Andy Kirkman says Smith joins the company “at the perfect time”.
“We’re seeing record-breaking bookings and unwavering support from travel agents across Australia,” he adds.
“Her industry experience and passion for building strong trade relationships will be instrumental as we continue to grow.
“With the imminent release of our latest Bench Africa brochure, Lucy’s appointment ensures we are well-positioned to support our agency partners in Victoria and provide them with the tools they need to sell Africa with confidence.”
As it expands, Bench also recently added Africa expert Paula Dimikos and documentation specialist Alicia Giuffrida to its team.
“We continue to welcome new tribe members into the Bench family as the demand for Africa travel is the highest we’ve ever seen,” Bench Africa Reservations & Groups Director Julie De Palo says.
Travel agencies and partners can connect with Lucy at lucy@benchafrica.com.au.
Bench Africa recently took part in South Africa Tourism’s Mega Lekker Escape, where it hosted Aussie agents on a famil before joining a training event in Sun City.
For more info, visit www.benchafrica.com.
