DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group has created a new global advisory board, plus itʻs strengthening its trade leadership brand focus.
AKTGʻs Global Advisory Board is under the leadership of Marett Taylor, who will assume the new role as Chairman, Global AKTG Advisory Board & Trade Relations, as well as her appointment to the board for A&K Philanthropy (AKP).
The company says Taylor’s new strategic role represents AKTG’s “commitment to advisor-driven innovation from a global perspective.”
The multi-brand advisory board, a first for AKTG, will pull input from key source markets across the industry, bringing together the top travel agency leaders to shape future product development and trade initiatives for AKTG. The board will meet with key AKTG leadership multiple times a year to provide guidance on product development, market trends and trade initiatives.
The inaugural Global AKTG Advisory Board will include travel agency leaders from across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, U.K., Europe, and APAC regions.
AKTG notes that appointments are ongoing, however new notable appointments include, from Canada, travel specialist Aida Silva with Mississauga, ONʻs Tully Luxury Travel and Stephen Smith, SVP, Leisure Strategy & Marketing for Direct Travel.
At the same time, AKTGʻs Shawn Johnson and Matias Lira will continue to strengthen trade partnerships in North America and LATAM through key SVP roles. Each will lead trade sales teams for the Group’s flagship brands, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal, with dedicated focus on their respective brands.
Shawn Johnson
Johnson, who is SVP, Trade Sales, North America, will continue to lead all trade sales and strategy for Abercrombie & Kent in the US/Canada market, including for A&K DMC sales and A&K Sanctuary globally.
AKTGʻs says its deepened brand commitment in the leadership structure coincides with unprecedented expansion across AKTG’s full portfolio.
Crystal continues its successful relaunch with two vessels now operational and robust forward bookings, while securing financing for two additional ships, with the first expected for delivery beginning May 2028.
Abercrombie & Kent continues its momentum with new DMCs and key new product launches from small group journeys to destinations such as Madagascar and Sri Lanka, alongside new Culinary Journeys, expedition cruises and new itineraries on the A&K private jet.
Under its A&K Sanctuary portfolio, the brand continues to expand with multiple openings in 2025, including Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda, Pure Amazon riverboat in Peru, and Baines’ Lodge in Botswana.
AKTG is also launching an enhanced digital Trade Portal featuring marketing assets, real-time inventory management and streamlined booking capabilities. The platform will provide advisors with instant access to high-res imagery, product specifications, selling tools and personalized client presentation materials.
The portal will also offer enhanced training modules, webinar scheduling, and direct communication channels with the expanded sales leadership team.
