Vonda Keeler, director of travel advisor partnerships, Rental Escapes. (Photo Credit: Rental Escapes)
WHY IT RATES: Vonda Keeler brings an impressive track record to her new role that will make life easier for travel advisors around the world.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
Rental Escapes, a full-service luxury villa company specializing in providing private villa experiences worldwide, announced today the appointment of Vonda Keeler as director of travel advisor partnerships as well as the promotion of Willie Fernandez to chief sales and marketing officer. Keeler is responsible for strengthening relationships across the advisory community and boosting sales through hands-on efforts.
“At Rental Escapes, building strong relationships with our travel advisor partners is central to our mission. We’re dedicated to equipping advisors with the tools, guidance, and support to secure the perfect villa for their clients and to create unforgettable stays that turn first-time guests into loyal repeat travelers,” said Brian Schwimmer, chief executive officer and co-founder of Rental Escapes. “We couldn’t be more excited to have Vonda on board, she brings a wealth of knowledge as both a former travel advisor and a business development leader, giving her a unique insight into creating strong relationships and driving growth across the advisor network.”
Bringing nearly a decade of proven success in advisor relations and business development, Keeler is widely regarded as a dedicated and results-driven leader. Keeler began her career in sales management outside the travel sector before discovering her passion in 2015 when she became a travel advisor. Shortly after transitioning into business development with Blue Diamond Resorts, she rose to the role of regional manager. Keeler excelled in cultivating strong relations with travel advisors, helping them expand their knowledge, grow their businesses, all while mentoring fellow BDMs on the sales team. After an impactful seven-year tenure at Blue Diamond Resorts, Keeler expanded her professional experience by taking on positions as a brand ambassador and business development manager with prominent travel companies.
In her new role as director of travel advisor partnerships with Rental Escapes, Keeler will dive deeper into her experience in sales and advisor relations by playing a significant role in building strong partnerships, inspiring travel advisors, and driving impactful growth throughout the travel community.
“Joining Rental Escapes as director of travel advisor partnerships is an incredible opportunity,” said Keeler. “Over the years, I’ve loved helping travel advisors expand their knowledge and grow their business portfolios, and now I get to do that on a national scale. I’ve long admired Rental Escapes for their beautiful villas, diverse destinations, and dedication to the advisor community, and I’m excited to help foster stronger partnerships and deliver exceptional vacation experiences to clients everywhere.”
Rental Escapes is committed to empowering travel advisors through its appointment of a dedicated director as well as through the Keys to Success program. This initiative provides advisors with tools, resources, and personalized support from training sessions and marketing materials to ensure success. By investing in advisor education, Rental Escapes ensures that advisors are equipped with the tools needed to provide their clients with seamless, one-of-a-kind vacation experiences.
In addition to the new director of travel advisor partnerships position, Willie Fernandez has been promoted to chief sales and marketing officer, where he will remain deeply involved with the travel advisor community, working hand in hand with Keeler to strengthen relationships and support the advisor network.
SOURCE: Rental Escapes press release.
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