TORONTO — Bannikin has announced the return of its travel trade development services with the appointment of seasoned global travel leader Gabriella Stowell as the company’s new Travel Trade Specialist.

The relaunch marks a renewed focus on strengthening industry connections and fostering sustainable growth for Bannikin’s client-partners.

With more than two decades in the international travel industry, Stowell brings extensive experience in destination development, strategic partnerships and trade relations across global markets. Her career includes more than 10 years with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), where she was instrumental in advancing destination development, research, education and event programming. During her tenure, she collaborated with destinations, businesses and organizations worldwide to promote sustainable tourism practices, deliver training programs and create international events for industry leaders to connect.

“We are delighted to welcome Gabriella to the Bannikin team,” says Trevor Jonas Benson, Managing Partner at Bannikin. “Trade development, together with our media relations offering, has always been at the core of Bannikin’s work, and with Gabriella now on board – well-known and respected within the adventure travel industry – we are now able to properly reintroduce this service stream with fresh energy, a global perspective and a strong focus on helping our client-partners grow responsibly.”

In her new role, Stowell will lead the design and implementation of trade strategies aimed at connecting travel companies with key markets, amplifying their stories and driving long-term value.

“I’m truly excited to join Bannikin,” says Stowell, who’s originally from Brazil and is fluent in Portugues, English and Spanish. “My values around, and commitment to, sustainable and inclusive tourism align perfectly with Bannikin’s worldview that tourism should co-create value through and beyond the industry. I look forward to supporting partners in building connections that are impactful, responsible and enduring.”

Originally from Brazil and now a U.S. citizen, Stowell holds a degree in Ecology and an MBA in Business and Marketing. Fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish, she has lived and worked across Latin and North America.

Stowell can be reached via email at gabriella@bannikin.com.