In response to the significant growth in the luxury home-based travel agency sector, PONANT EXPLORATIONS has announced the appointment of Sandra Cahill as National Sales Manager for Home-Based Travel Agents
The creation of this dedicated role reflects PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ commitment to supporting and nurturing the evolving home-based travel model. The decision follows two years of strong performance under Sandra’s partial management of this segment.
Julie Rogers, Director of Sales Asia Pacific, commented,
“After two years of incorporating the management of home-based agency tasks into Sandra’s role, we witnessed over a 60% increase in sales results. It became clear that Sandra’s deep expertise in luxury sales and relationship management would be better utilised by dedicating her full time to this growing portfolio.”
Sandra brings over 40 years of travel industry experience spanning the cruise, airline, tourism, tour operator, wholesale, DMC, and training sectors. Her background includes senior sales and business development roles with leading luxury brands and global operators, including:
- Business Development Manager NSW/ACT – Silversea
- Sales & Marketing Manager – Magic Arabia & Magic Camps (Virtuoso DMC, Oman)
- Sales Manager Australia – Ministry of Heritage & Tourism, The Sultanate of Oman
- Sales Manager NSW/ACT – APT Travel Group
- Sales Manager NSW/ACT – Insight Vacations & Luxury Gold
- Account & Sales Management roles with Air France-KLM, Gulf Air, Qantas and more.
This strategic appointment coincides with the company’s new preferred partnership agreement with Travel Managers Australia, marking a key step in strengthening the connection with Australia’s leading network of independent travel advisors.
Sandra will work closely with PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ State Managers, who will remain actively engaged in home-based travel agency events and appointments nationwide in collaboration with Sandra.
Her appointment has also enabled the expansion of the Sales Team, with Anne Peitavi joining as Sales Coordinator to further enhance service and support across the region.
Pictured top left: PONANT Director of Sales Julie Rogers, Lia Malone and Sandra Leslie of Travel Managers, PONANT National Sales Manager for Home-Based Travel Agents, Sandra Cahill.
Bottom right: Sandra Cahill and Julie Rogers with Anne Peitavi PONANT Sales Coordinator.
