GTC is uniquely positioned to connect luxury suppliers with an exceptional network of travel advisors, and I am honoured to contribute to the company’s growth and success.
Abhishek Shankar, Director, Partner Relations and Marketing UK
Jennifer Hartnett and Abhishek Shankar Step into New Roles
LONDON (January 27, 2025) – Global Travel Collection (GTC), part of Internova Travel Group, has announced the promotions of Jennifer Hartnett to General Manager of Colletts Travel and Abhishek Shankar to Director, Partner Relations & Marketing UK.
Hartnett will lead Colletts Travel, overseeing financial and operational performance, focusing on advancing the company’s growth within the luxury leisure travel sector, and ensuring Colletts independent travel advisors have the tools, resources, access to the best product they need to succeed.
Jennifer joined Colletts Travel as Operations & Contracts Manager in 2020, bringing with her extensive experience in luxury travel operations and client service. Her leadership has been instrumental in securing an extensive portfolio of contracts, with luxury partners optimising processes, driving efficiencies, and enhancing the advisor and client experience, and the launch of Colletts Collection tour operator division in 2021.
“I am delighted to be stepping into this role and to continue building on Colletts Travel’s incredible legacy of providing bespoke luxury travel experiences, to the discerning traveller.” said Hartnett. “I look forward to working with our talented travel advisors and partners to further strengthen our position in luxury travel.”
Shankar will lead partner relations in the UK, strengthening strategic alliances with preferred suppliers while driving engagement opportunities for GTC’s independent travel advisor network.
He joined Internova Travel Group in 2018 as Account Manager for the Hotel Division, where he spearheaded the contracting of luxury hotels in the UK and EMEA for the in-house hotel programme. Following the formation of GTC, he transitioned to an Account Manager role, and subsequently, Senior Manager, Partner Relations & Marketing role, playing a pivotal part in developing supplier relationships and delivering exceptional value to advisors and their clients.
“I am excited to take on this expanded role and continue working with our incredible partners and advisors to deliver best-in-class solutions,” said Shankar. “GTC is uniquely positioned to connect luxury suppliers with an exceptional network of travel advisors, and I am honoured to contribute to the company’s growth and success.”
Shankar will continue to play a key role in aligning GTC’s partner relations and marketing strategies in the UK, with the evolving needs of the travel industry to support its independent travel advisors.
Francesca Mendola, Vice President UK at Global Travel Collection, commented, “These are well-deserved promotions. Jennifer’s exceptional leadership and commitment to operational excellence have been instrumental in strengthening Colletts Travel and growing tour operations at the agency. Abhishek’s expertise in building strong partnerships and delivering innovative solutions has elevated our supplier relations and marketing strategies. Their combined talent and dedication continue to drive value to our independent travel advisor business, growth and success across GTC. We are excited to see all they will accomplish in their new roles.”
About Global Travel Collection
Global Travel Collection (GTC), a division of Internova Travel Group, unites a collection of luxury brands. Headquartered in New York, the UK division of GTC is based in the heart of London between Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Our independent travel advisors service clients across leisure, corporate and entertainment sectors. Through strong connections and as a leader in the travel industry, GTC ensures clients have the best advice and selection of luxury destinations around the world by providing first-class support for their network of over 1,500 independent travel advisors across the globe. GTC’s combined global reach and leverage translate into value, recognition and preferential treatment for its world traveller clients.
About Colletts Travel
Since 1983, Colletts Travel, part of Global Travel Collection, has been a pioneer in providing luxury travel, with a personal touch. Over the years, the company has nurtured a loyal clientele of like-minded travellers, all looking for professional travel expertise and counsel to help them sate their wanderlust for stress-free luxury travel. Each of Colletts Travel’s advisors takes pride in their personal relationships, ensuring that each luxury travel experience is carefully planned and executed.