In response to rapid growth in the luxury home-based travel agency sector, PONANT EXPLORATIONS has announced the appointment of Sandra Cahill as its new National Sales Manager for Home-Based Travel Agents.

The dedicated role highlights PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ commitment to supporting the evolving home-based travel model, the cruise line said. Cahill’s appointment comes after two years of notable success in which she partially managed this segment, resulting in impressive sales outcomes.

Julie Rogers, Director of Sales Asia Pacific, explained the reasoning behind the move. “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,” she said. “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.”

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Cahill brings over 40 years of experience across the cruise, airline, tourism, DMC, and tour operator sectors. Her impressive résumé includes leadership roles with brands including Silversea, APT Travel Group, Insight Vacations, Air France-KLM, and the Ministry of Heritage & Tourism in Oman.

This strategic appointment also coincides with PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ new preferred partnership with Travel Managers Australia, marking a significant step in enhancing collaboration with Australia’s independent travel advisors.

Cahill will work alongside the company’s State Managers, who remain actively involved with home-based travel advisors nationwide. The growing focus on this sector has also enabled team expansion, with Anne Peitavi joining as Sales Coordinator to support regional sales and service initiatives.