| For Immediate Release Central Holidays Promotes Tour Operator Veteran María José Merino to the Role of Vice President, Operations Moonachie, NJ – July 11, 2018 – Central Holidays today announced the promotion of tour operator veteran María José Merino “MJ” to the role of Vice President, Operations for the award-winning travel brand. As Vice President of Operations, Merino will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Central Holidays. She will work closely with the executive board and managers in Sales, Marketing, Reservations, as well as with CH Groups and luxury brand Journeys by CH to maintain the positive growth mode of Central Holidays. In addition, Merino will continue to manage business relations with suppliers and head up product development for the majority of the brand’s product lines. “This promotion formalizes the roles and responsibilities that MJ has taken on throughout her time at Central Holidays,” said Tewfik Ghattas, SGI Board Member. “This key appointment underscores our commitment to furthering Central Holidays leadership position in providing a depth of knowledge, authentic and inspired affordable luxury experiential travel programs, and superior service that is unparalleled in the travel business. “I feel honored to continue expanding my duties with a company whose opportunities are truly limitless,” said Merino. “As Vice President of Operations, I will ensure that the pace on our initiatives will continue accelerating, producing more and more results of benefit to our travel agent partners, group planners, travelers, and staff as we move along.” Merino brings more than two decades of experience in the travel industry to her new post. Before she joined Central Holidays in 2006, MJ worked for such acclaimed companies as Liberty Travel/GoGo Worldwide Vacations, Club ABC Tours, and Klientours in Ecuador. Over her career Merino also furthered her academic background with advanced studies in Tourism from NYU School of Professional Studies. Merino is based at the Central Holidays headquarters office in Moonachie, New Jersey. About Central Holidays: Founded in 1972, Central Holidays is an award-winning travel brand that offers superior travel programs, value, and service to enchanting destinations across Italy, the Mediterranean, Africa, West Asia, Cuba, and Latin America. As true destination specialists, this leader in travel offers an expansive range of Independent, Escorted, Hosted, and Land/Cruise itineraries. Central Holidays presents a wide array of diverse travel opportunities including people-to-people experiences, educational and cultural programs, culinary travel adventures, and active vacations. Group Travel Experiences are a hallmark of the company, offering special interest travel, religious pilgrimages, and fully-customized programs. Their newest brand, Journeys by Central Holidays, was created to orchestrate tailor-made travel experiences that redefine luxury. Central Holidays remains at the forefront of the tourism and travel industry, offering distinctive travel programs that support brand promises of reliability, expertise, and flexibility. For more information, contact Central Holidays at 1-800-935-5000 or visit www.centralholidays.com. ### MEDIA CONTACTS: Marlene Oliver, NJC Communications (305) 491-0512, moliver@njccorp.com Mayra Etayo, NJC Communications (305) 505-7089, metayo@njccorp.com |