Currently semi-retired, I am available to provide travel product planning assistance and copywriting, editing, and proofreading services to travel and hospitality companies of all types and sizes on a project basis.As a seasoned industry professional with broad destination knowledge and extensive experience in researching, planning, and operating global travel programs I can assist at busy times when your internal resources are not sufficient. I can also assist in the creation of clear, concise, appealing, and evocative copy for everything from websites and brochures to in-house manuals. Whether your copy must be developed from scratch, or just needs a bit of polishing, I can help you get your message across.

Responsible for all aspects of customized, educational, worldwide expedition cruises, rail journeys, and land tour programs, from concept to operation. Close coordination with clients – prominent U.S. university alumni associations, museums, and other affinity groups – including their participating faculty lecturers

Spearheaded efforts to substantially expand the presence of Diethelm Travel, an inbound operator in 12 Asian countries, in the US and Canadian markets, where it had previously served clients but been unrepresented.

Implemented sales and marketing strategies to maximize revenue and build brand awareness for this group of luxury properties in exotic destinations in all market segments in North and South America.

For a consortium of top retail travel agencies, created Virtuoso Discoveries, an array of unique and exclusive tours for sale by members only, designed to attract consumers to the network. With an emphasis on the uniqueness and exclusivity, programs included shore excursions, pre and post cruise trips, complex FITs, and several holiday extravaganzas, as well products for the Town & Country Travel Club by Virtuoso. Was responsible for all aspects of these products from concept to operation, including budget and costing. Conducted seminars to introduce new products to agent members.

Pioneered the development of new and innovative excursion experiences on a worldwide basis, and launched an array of in-depth pre and post cruise land tours for this ultra deluxe cruise line with a sophisticated, well-traveled, and discriminating clientele. Planned itineraries, negotiated rates, set pricing, and managed inventory. Supervised shore side and shipboard staff, and provided on site supervision of extended tours. Conducted destination seminars for sales and reservations staffs. Worked closely with marketing to provide content for promotional materials. After the merger of Cunard and Seabourn, assumed responsibility for all staff involved in the planning and operation of shore excursions, pre and post cruise extended land tours, hotels, meet and greet services, and air arrangements for an eight-ship fleet with worldwide itineraries. Evaluated existing processes and staffing of the two entities, created a new organizational structure, and put in place preliminary operating procedures and policies for handling a fleet with two brands and ships with a variety of personalities.