Belmond has appointed Tom Alderink as the company's first director of LGBT sales.
Based in New York, Alderink has worked with Belmond for more than ten years in leisure sales, evolving his role and becoming an authority on LGBT matters for the company. Alderink continues to hold the position of director of leisure sales for the Northeast (U.S.) in addition to his new title.
As director of LGBT sales, Alderink will aim to enhance the presence and recognition of Belmond within the LGBT community in North America, as well as oversee global partnerships with key LGBT strategic partners. Alderink will have a special focus on developing both FIT and group business ventures for Belmond as well as tapping into the potential and opportunities that are available in further developing this market, Belmond said.
One of Alderink’s first initiatives as director of LGBT sales was overseeing Belmond’s partnership to become a Silver Global Partner of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), a global travel network dedicated to connecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travelers.