Bench Africa has added experienced sales exec Alexandra Fayan to its national Business Development team as BDM for NSW in response to increased agency demand for in-person training and in-store co-op marketing opportunities.
Based in Sydney, Fayan joins Bench Africa from her most recent role at Aurora Expeditions where she was a BDM for more than six years and follows the addition of Graham Werner last year.
Prior to that, she worked in various sales and business development positions at Entire Travel Connection and French Travel Connection as well as stints in the events industry.
Bench Africa Trade Relations Manager Andy Kirkman said: “I’m thrilled to have Alex join the team with her long-standing relationships across NSW.”
“She is well-known for her enthusiasm and dedication to supporting travel agents, affirmed by the many messages of agent approval!”
Fayan said she was looking forward to catching up with travel trade in her new role.
“I am thrilled to announce that I’m setting sail on a new adventure with Australia’s pioneer in Africa travel for over 55 years,” she wrote on LinkedIn.
“I’m equally grateful to the passionate team of experts at Bench Africa for the warm welcome as I chart a new course in my career. Here’s to new beginnings and a new adventure!”
New hires for Reservations team
The news follows the expansion of Bench Africa’s Reservations team with Veeral Bhundia coming aboard from parent company Southern Cross Safaris Mombasa, bringing an in-depth understanding of travel in East Africa, and Gayle Rowson joining her Africa specialist travel agency.
Bench Africa Reservations & Groups Director Julie De Palo said: “We have recorded record growth this year with consecutive ‘biggest-ever’ months. None of this would have been possible without our incredible Africa Specialist team and their commitment to serving our trade clients.”
Register for the AfricaBound trade partnership program here.
Find out more at agents.benchafrica.com
