First in Service Ltd (F1S), one of North America’s leading independent travel agencies, has welcomed Andrew Jones as the new Director of Partnerships, Leisure. The company made the announcement with great enthusiasm, recognizing Jones’ deep expertise and proven track record in the travel industry. Jones, who brings more than two decades of experience across North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia, will play a pivotal role in advancing the company’s leisure travel division. His appointment marks a strategic step forward for F1S as they continue to strengthen their global reach.

Jones will report directly to Gina Gabbard, Chief Strategy Officer at First in Service, working closely with her to implement new strategies aimed at expanding the agency’s leisure business. In his new role, Jones will be tasked with supporting the growth of F1S advisors, ensuring they are equipped with the best tools, resources, and partnerships to enhance their clients’ experiences. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in shaping the future of leisure travel for F1S, positioning the agency to deliver even more exceptional service to its discerning clientele.

One of Jones’ primary responsibilities will be the expansion of F1S’s leisure partnerships, with a special focus on the cruise sector. His experience and industry relationships will enable him to identify and nurture valuable collaborations that will benefit both the agency and its clients. As cruise travel continues to grow in popularity, Jones’ efforts will help F1S tap into new opportunities within this booming segment, offering travelers more diverse and curated experiences.

In addition to strengthening leisure partnerships, Jones will also oversee F1S’s collaboration with Virtuoso, a global network of luxury travel agencies. Virtuoso has long been the consortium of choice for F1S, and Jones will work to enhance this relationship further. His aim is to ensure that F1S continues to provide its advisors with exclusive access to high-end travel experiences, benefiting both clients and advisors alike. By fostering closer ties with Virtuoso, Jones is expected to amplify F1S’s ability to offer bespoke travel experiences tailored to the needs of luxury travelers.

Jones’ appointment comes at a time when the travel industry is experiencing renewed growth and transformation. With his wealth of experience and strategic insight, Jones is poised to help F1S navigate the evolving landscape of leisure travel. His leadership will not only drive growth for the agency but will also reinforce F1S’s commitment to providing world-class travel solutions for its clients across the globe.

“Andrew’s deep expertise in the travel industry, cultivated over years of leading teams at other recognised names in travel, makes him a valuable addition to the F1S team,” Gabbard stated. “Andrew’s exceptional travel industry background aligns perfectly with our growth strategy. His leadership and vision will help drive our efforts to support our advisers and further develop our leisure business. We’re thrilled to have him on board as we continue to grow and evolve.”

Andrew Jones brings an impressive history of surpassing sales targets and achieving exceptional outcomes throughout his career. In his most recent role as Director of Travel Partner Relations at Ensemble Travel, Jones demonstrated his ability to cultivate and execute strategic partnerships while leading the company’s leisure travel programs. His leadership and vision significantly contributed to the success of Ensemble’s partnerships, helping the organization strengthen its market position in the highly competitive travel industry.

Before his time at Ensemble, Jones spent two decades at Flight Centre Travel Group, where he held key leadership positions across both North America and Australia. During his last seven years with the company, he served as Director of Supplier Relationships for the North American market, overseeing crucial partnerships within the cruise and tour sectors. His deep knowledge of supplier relations, coupled with his strong industry connections, played a pivotal role in expanding Flight Centre’s reach and influence in the region. Jones’ extensive experience and proven expertise make him a valuable asset in the evolving world of travel.

Beyond his impressive career achievements, Andrew Jones is a passionate traveler who has visited more than 80 countries. His love for exploration and adventure drives his dedication to creating extraordinary travel experiences for clients and partners. This personal enthusiasm for discovering new places strengthens his commitment to delivering unforgettable journeys that inspire and captivate.

The post First In Service Embarks On A New Era Of Travel Excellence With Andrew Jones As Director Of Leisure Partnerships appeared first on Travel And Tour World.