We are innovative storytellers & strategic marketing experts who have been in the travel space for over 30+ years. We form an indelible link between our portfolio & top travel advisors, wholesale partners & travel consortias. It’s an incredible feeling to start a partnership with a new travel product, build out their unique strategy & successfully drive much deserved revenue to their doorstep. We're proud of the reputation our brand has built among the travel trade industry. Our relationships open doors for our clients & the foundation of brand loyalty we build for them is unmatched.
Kristen began her marketing career with IBM in 2007 and shifted gears into the travel industry following the economic recession of 2009. Previously, she extended her education with a Master’s Degree in International Relations & Public Policy at Monmouth University where she honed her craft of public speaking. She has cultivated valuable relationships among top tier industry partners and travel advisors and focuses on driving revenue through all valuable channels of the marketplace. She was awarded first place with Travel Agent Magazine as Top Supplier Sales Rep of 2015 and won the gold Travvy Award in 2016 for Rising Star in Hotels/Resorts. Kristen leads the team with strategic maneuvers both on the ground and online which ensures all our clients receive top level bespoke services around the clock.
Esteemed travel industry veteran Phyllis Sauter began her career in 1983 and founded Destinations Of Distinctions LLC in 2001. She has built the firm's reputation through strong industry relations and a proven track record for success. Case study: While a Caribbean destination was pacing down double-digits out of the USA, Phyllis’ client outpaced the destination and ended the year with 10% year over year growth. She has played an essential part in strengthening awareness and generating sales for some of the finest intimate, unique and luxury products around the world. Phyllis leads the firm's consulting department and plays an integral role in the formation of strategic marketing plans customized to fit the needs and wants of her clients. We call her Wonder Woman…and have the picture to prove it.
Kristal is an enthusiastic, charismatic and determined marketing graduate from the University of Liverpool in England. Her career began in the beauty industry and moved from there into luxury hospitality, working with NY companies such as The One Group and Rivington Hospitality Group where she specialized in implementing digital marketing strategy across all channels including eCRM, editorial, display and social (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). She has travelled to almost every continent, discounting Antarctica but it remains on the bucket list! Kristal joined the Destinations of Distinction team in October 2018 as our Sales & Marketing Strategist, taking the lead on agency engagement. Kristal was recently promoted to Tourism & Lifestyle Manager. Kristal champions our relationships with various Tourism Boards & ensures our collection is a strategic supplier partner with travel trade activities. She is the lead for our lifestyle collection, forging relationships with new partners while creating top-level content to the platform.
Heather is the newest member of our award winning team. She comes to us as a “retired” celebrity hairstylist/personal assistant who has traveled the country via tour bus serving her music industry clientele. After “retiring” from the music industry, Heather opened her own salon managing the day to day needs of her clients, staff and business. Heather still owns a small, one-on-one private luxury hair studio in New Jersey, where you can find her practicing her craft on her weekend time outside of her role with Destinations of Distinction. In her role with us, Heather is responsible for managing day to day activities including travel agency appointments, trainings, sales missions, luxury & learn events and our roadshows. She ensures our office runs smoothly, oversees administrative support and is our "control tower." As a mom of two kiddos (Claire and George), you can imagine she has utilized her well-equipped skills of multi-tasking, time management and catering to the extreme demands of her littles.