Atlanta, GA – March 2, 2015 – Vacation Express, one of the nation’s leading tour operators, has announced the new appointments of Maggie Valz and Barbara Tautkus to the positions of Senior Business Development Managers.

Maggie Valz joined Vacation Express in early 2013 as a Business Development Manager. During this time, she has worked to cultivate and build relationships with travel agents in several states. Her successful work has increased market share with travel agents and has helped to grow sales significantly. Her background in education will suit her perfectly in leading our Business Development Managers.

 “I’m so excited about this opportunity and my continued growth with Vacation Express,” said Valz. “After seeing how much we have grown in just the past two years, I believe the possibilities for Vacation Express are limitless. I look forward to working closely with our agents to provide wonderful vacation experiences!”

 Barbara Tautkus has  been with Vacation Express for over 20 years. With her extensive travel industry experience, she has been a driving force in increasing awareness and sales for Vacation Express in the Midwest. Barbara will continue to work with as well as lead Vacation Express Business Development Managers in the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

 “I have enjoyed working with all the travel agents in the Midwest and in my territory for the last 20 years,” said Tautkus. “I want to thank the travel agent community for their continuous and future support as Vacation Express grows and opens more charter gateways. I look forward to meeting and working with travel agencies in our  new markets as we grow and expand our product line.”

 Valz and Tautkus will be joining Yolanda Ruiz, Sales Operation Manager, and Bibiana Benitez, Inside Sales Manager, as part of the management team that will lead the sales efforts for Vacation Express.

 As Vacation Express welcomes these new appointments, the company unfortunately says goodbye to LeeAnn Roper-Cumbow, Senior Business Development Manager. LeeAnn has worked to grow Vacation Express and build relationships with travel agents for the past 18 years.

 “Her legacy and reputation speaks for itself,” said Kevin Hernandez, Vice President of Sales and Digital Strategy. “We hope that she will have time to focus on the hotel that she and her husband own in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as her family.”

 "After 18 plus years,  I am both sad and excited to be leaving Vacation Express,” said LeeAnn Roper-Cumbow. “Throughout the years, I have seen this great company grow into a national tour operator while keeping southern, hometown customer service and I am proud to have been part of the growth. I am also proud of the Sales Team that I have helped build and I have confidence that this great group of people will continue to put the company's strengths first when working with our great travel partners.”

 Roper-Cumbow  continued, “I am excited about the new direction that my life is heading.  The opportunity to work with my husband as we build our family business is a chance not everyone is lucky enough to do and I am truly feeling blessed."

 Since Vacation Express joined the Sunwing Travel Group just four years ago, the company has seen an amazing amount of growth in a short amount of time. Vacation Express currently offers all-inclusive vacations with exclusive non-stop air from 18 different U.S. cities, traveling to Cancun, Punta Cana, Jamaica and Grand Bahama Island.

 

# # #

 

About Vacation Express:

Vacation Express, part of Sunwing Travel Group Inc., has been in existence for over 25 years and offers quality vacation packages to over 35 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica with a focus on value and client satisfaction. Vacation Express prides itself on affordability, convenience, customer service and great vacation experiences. While most travel agents book online, they may also reach the VACATIONEXPRESS.com reservation center seven days a week at 1.800.486.9777.