NEWCOMER representation firm Evolution Travel Collective has broken into the market at full speed, ramping up its operations by expanding its team and client base.
The new sales and marketing business welcomed former G Adventures Head of Sales Australia/NZ Ingrid Berthelsen in January, who has taken on the role of General Manager of Brand, Strategy & Partnerships. “Having already enjoyed working within well established businesses previously, the challenge of being involved in a startup was something that I just couldn’t say no to,” she said.
Evolution Travel Collective was launched by former Intrepid Travel and G Adventures senior executive Pete Rawley in October last year, promising an “innovative sales and marketing representation company”.
The firm offers a new “hybrid” representation model not previously seen in the local market, with enquiries directed back to partner suppliers’ own reservation teams to build their individual brands.
Late last year Evolution announced it would look after Exodus, TrekAmerica and Grand American Adventures in the Australasian market, shortly followed by the revelation of a fourth partner, Dragoman Overland.
Small group tour operator Crooked Compass has also joined the portfolio, marking the launch of a Crooked Compass sales team in the market.
Evolution Travel Collective has plans for further growth, with Berthelsen telling travelBulletin recruitment of more team members was underway, including Business Development Managers and a General Manager of Sales, who would be instrumental in promoting the company’s clients to the trade.
While the company is currently focusing on touring products, Rawley and Berthelsen hinted at other possible avenues for expansion such as youth and marine-focused “collectives”.
