Kuoni Group Travel Experts has appointed Mel Lorenzo to lead its activities in Latin America.

Based in Brazil, she takes charge of building and maintaining relationships with travel business interested in arranging group tours around the world.

As group travel is often the first choice for large numbers of newer travellers who want to explore longer haul destinations, Latin America – and particularly Brazil – is ripe with opportunity.

The company is enjoying growth to the US market as well as a 15 per cent increase in religious travel to France, Italy, Poland and Spain.

A native Portuguese speaker and also fluent in English, French and Spanish, Lorenzo is well travelled and has personal experience of a wide range of destinations and their attractions.

Previous roles with tour operator CVC Brasil Operadora have given her specialist experience in international products throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Oceania.

Sales, operations and supervisory roles with Experimento Intercâmbio Cultural have helped her build knowledge of the appeals of group tours and the expectations of these travellers.

Tommy Ryder, head of sales for Kuoni Group Travel Experts Americas, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mel to be our primary liaison with Brazil and Latin America’s travel trade to help build stronger relationships and drive success for all our businesses.

“Already well experienced, she will ensure that the service we provide is never anything less than world-class.”