Former top-tiered staff of the now-defunct Adam’s Express Travel have launched a new company, A-List Travel Solutions, on February 2.
It is understood that the Manila-based Adam’s Express is now non-operational following the death of founder Mamerth Banatin 17 months ago, as his heirs are not interested in taking over the travel business.
Rowena Baltazar, president of the new company and Adam’s Express former sales manager for 25 years, said they’re continuing the legacy of their mentor Banatin who pioneered pilgrimage tours to Europe and pushed out off-the-beaten-path trips.
Although trim, A-List Travel Solutions has more diverse offerings including both outbound and inbound tours, and targeting all markets including millennials, Baltazar told TTG Asia.
Also joining A-List Travel Solutions from Adam’s Express are vice president Pinky Restrieva, formerly assistant general manager for 20 years; board treasurer Lorie Mandilag who was senior reservations officer for 21 years; and board secretary Gelo Tuazon, who served as Banatin’s executive assistant for eight years.
Baltazar said that with their “face value”, they’re able to get credit lines, the suppliers of Adam’s Express whom they were liaising with for decades, besides Adam’s Express’ clients and new clients.
While they are familiar with the sales and marketing aspects, Baltazar said the challenge for A-List Travel Solutions is the operations side, including accounting, hiring staff and administrative matters.
