Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has named travel industry veteran Anita Emilio as Vice President and General Manager for the group’s Independent and Luxury businesses in Canada.

In recent years, Canada and the U.S. have been jointly managed, but Danielle Galloway, Global Managing Director of FCTG’s Independent and Luxury businesses says the investment in Canadian leadership will pay off.

“We understand the clear differences and opportunities in these two markets, and with that comes the need to invest in a team devoted to Canada with a deep understanding of Canadian culture, travellers and the travel industry landscape,” Galloway says.

“We have a fantastic network of 480 independent agents across Canada, as well as our Laurier du Vallon stores. We’re excited to build a dedicated Canadian team who can focus on this valuable market and ensure our offering is perfectly suited to Canadian travel advisors and their customers.”

Emilio will join the Global Independent and Luxury taskforces who have been responsible for strong growth results in the FCTG leisure performance. Both pillars are seen by the group as major market opportunities.

With a strong history of senior roles in Flight Centre, The Travel Corporation, Travel Counsellors and most recently with Fresh Tracks Canada, Emilio has experience across the industry including leisure, independent, luxury FIT and touring.

After 19 years away, Emilio says she is returning to FCTG with great enthusiasm.

“I am thrilled that FCTG has chosen me to lead the independent and luxury businesses in Canada. The team clearly have faith in both pillars and the potential of them in the Canadian market.”

She adds: “The foundation has been set with plans to invest in this business and I am ready to drive tremendous growth in Canada. After working alongside FCTG as a partner for many years, I am so happy to be returning to the place I started my career in the travel industry. I am a passionate believer and supporter of the independent model and my experience has me uniquely positioned to take on this new position.”

Emilio says her first priority is building an expert Canada-based team, “who will support our independent and luxury agents to ensure we’re delivering top tier support and technology to help them run successful travel businesses.”

Galloway says Emilio was the right choice for the position. “Our leadership team have developed a clear vision for growth and plan to deliver the most competitive independent travel agency offering available. Anita is the perfect addition to help us ensure that promise extends to all of our existing and future independent agents and agency owners in Canada.”