The Balmoral Strengthens Its Sales Team
LONDON, UK, February 4, 2006. Rocco Forte's The Balmoral is delighted to announce the appointments of Andrew Hartley as Director of Sales & Marketing and Kim Falconer as Sales Executive.
Andrew will be responsible for bedroom, special events, conference and banqueting revenue, and will oversee a team of 13 sales staff. He will concentrate on growing The Balmoral's international business, with particular emphasis on the US market, which grew 20 per cent last year. Andrew will also encourage visitors from emerging markets including Russia and The Middle East.
Andrew brings a wealth of industry knowledge and sales experience to The Balmoral. He has relocated from London, having worked in renowned hotels including The Ritz, InterContinental, and most recently as Director of Sales with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, London. During this time, he travelled extensively and targeted the leading luxury travel agents throughout the US, Europe and The Middle East.
The Balmoral's reputation, status and heritage were key factors in luring Andrew to Scotland. Andrew commented: "I am delighted to have secured this key role of Director of Sales & Marketing at such a landmark property in a world-class city. I look forward to building on the success that The Balmoral has enjoyed over the past few years. He added: "I have excellent international contacts, and am aware there is genuine enthusiasm and interest in Edinburgh, particularly from those clients who are looking for new ideas and an inspiring destination."
Kim Falconer will have responsibility for the hotel's Leisure and Corporate Business and will target tour operators in the UK, Spain and Germany, as well as look after The Balmoral's Scottish Corporate base. Canadian-born Kim spent the last two years at Gleneagles, where she was responsible for individual and group reservations, as well as looking after the Russian market and luxury travel agents in the US. Previously Kim worked for a major tour operator in London, where she organised tours for American student delegations throughout Europe. Kim commented: "'I am delighted to have joined The Balmoral's sales team and look forward to strengthening our existing Corporate and Leisure partnerships, as well as introduce new clients to Edinburgh's leading, luxury hotel."
Commenting on both appointments, Debbie Taylor, General Manager at The Balmoral added: "The sales team are integral to The Balmoral's continued success, and I am delighted to welcome Andrew and Kim to our team."
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