With over 16 years of experience across both the travel agent and adventure touring sectors, Katie’s understanding of the trade and proven business success have earned her a number of industry awards.
G Adventures is delighted to welcome Katie Bunting to its team of UK GPS, or Global Purpose Specialists (outside sales representative), to help elevate and support its travel agency relationships across the south of the UK. With over 16 years of experience across both the travel agent and adventure touring sectors, Katie’s understanding of the trade and proven business success have earned her a number of industry awards. Meanwhile her passion for adventure and travel, which encourages more local experiences, makes her the perfect addition to the G Adventures’ team.
G Adventures’ national sales manager, Stu Darnley says that traveller demand for more immersive experiences and connections, with the support to navigate the changing travel landscape, has seen more agents turning to small-group adventure touring than ever.
“Here at G Adventures we’re seeing more agents booking adventure trips for the first time as travellers seek more from their holiday than just the usual fly and flop options. We’re delighted to welcome Katie on board, whose experience with more mainstream agencies such as Hays Travel will play a valuable role in supporting agents who are promoting and selling the exciting world of adventure touring for the first time. Her passion for travel and amazing personal and coaching skills will undoubtedly help us in our mission to support our agency partners, both existing and new,” says Darnley.
Having studied tourism, Katie started her career in travel as a consultant for First Choice before moving over to Co-op Travel as an Assistant Manager. As her career progressed, Katie’s passion for business grew and in 2013 she stepped into a Branch Manager role for Hays Travel, which saw her act as a travel ambassador in her local community and drive sales for the store, where she hit target every year and saw store profits increase by 150% during her five years as manager. Her effective management also saw her team take home the South West’s Best Agency in the TTG Top 50 Awards in 2019.
In 2019, Katie’s passion for adventure saw her cross over into the adventure operator sector, taking on the role of Partnership Growth Manager for Intrepid Travel where she was responsible for driving growth and industry sales across the UK’s South West and Wales. Her most recent work as a Deputy Work Coach Team Leader for the Department for Work and Pensions has allowed her to flex her presentation and coaching skills, which are a valuable asset when it comes to effective and engaging agent training.
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