After collecting numerous accolades over the years, Western Australian independent travel agency Bicton Travel has created a new Product Manager role – and appointed travel industry veteran Alison Haley to the position.
With over 35 years of experience in travel wholesalers and agencies, Haley will guide product strategy for both Bicton Travel and Claremont Cruise & Travel Centre, which Bicton acquired in 2023.
Bicton Travel says Alison’s expertise will strengthen supplier relationships and drive new product initiatives.
“We’re thrilled to have Alison come on board as she will play a key role in expanding Bicton Travel’s wider reach in the WA market,” Bicton Travel and Claremont Cruise & Travel Centre Director Philip Smethurst said.
“From overseeing our partner relations to the implementation of new product initiatives, Alison’s contribution has already been recognised by the industry over the years and I look forward to seeing her succeed in this exciting new phase of growth for our company.”
Commencing in the role this week, Haley said she looks forward to “developing the product offering for such a highly regarded and well-known West Australian company”.
Silver jubilee
In 2023, Bicton Travel celebrated 25 years of delivering holidays for Western Australians. From a two-person team in 1998, the family-owned business now employs 23 staff in East Fremantle and Claremont.
Bicton Travel is a nine-time CLIA Cruise Agency of the Year and three-time winner of Travel Agency of the Year at the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA).
Managing Director Carole Smethurst has been inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame, while Phil Smethurst has received multiple industry awards.
At this year’s CLIA awards, Bicton Travel was a finalist for Large Cruise Agency of the Year.
In May, seven Bicton advisors were named 2024 Virtuoso Travel Cruise Icons, a group of just 148 agents globally who have excelled in the industry.
Read our interview with Carole Smethurst, who shares the (not so) secret to Bicton’s success, how there’s a ship for everyone and her most memorable sailing.
