Vanessa Castles has over 20 years of experience in destination management and tourism. As Managing Director of Abbey in Ireland, she combines strategic vision with a passion for creating exceptional travel experiences. Vanessa is widely respected for her ability to build strong partnerships and deliver innovative solutions for clients worldwide. She plays an active role in shaping the industry’s future through thought leadership and collaboration. A proud advocate for Ireland as a premier destination, Vanessa loves showcasing the country’s rich heritage and culture.
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Outside of work, she enjoys discovering hidden gems across Ireland, exploring scenic landscapes, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Rebecca Brooks is Managing Director of Abbey UK and a director/owner of the Abbey Group, a leading international inbound travel company specialising in destination management in the UK and Ireland.
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A graduate of St Andrews University, where she read Modern History, Rebecca has worked in international inbound tourism since 2001. She is also Chair of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and served on the VisitScotland board from 2015 to 2023. Rebecca has been Chair of UKinbound since 19 February 2024 and is a former Chair of the SDMA. She was a member of the Scottish Government-appointed Tourism Recovery Taskforce in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was voted one of Scotland’s 100 Women in Tourism in 2018 and 2020 and received the UKinbound Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Services to Tourism in 2022.

Teresa Gambino has cultivated a successful career with Abbey Group for more than 20 years, bringing expertise and leadership to the leisure travel sector. As Director of Leisure Groups, Teresa oversees operations and strategy for group travel, ensuring exceptional experiences for clients across diverse markets. Her journey within Abbey began in the Mediterranean Groups department, followed by senior roles in Business Development, where she drove growth in both Ireland and UK and strengthened partnerships. Teresa’s deep industry knowledge and client-focused approach continue to shape the company’s success in leisure travel.
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Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new destinations and embracing Ireland’s and UK’s vibrant culture.

Jamie is an experienced travel and tourism leader with over 25 years’ experience across destination management, leisure groups and accommodation strategy. He specialises in UK group travel, product development and commercial leadership, overseeing teams responsible for contracting, pricing, supplier partnerships and delivery. His background spans accommodation management, tour programme development, marketing, affinity partnerships and budget oversight, with a strong focus on quality, collaboration and commercially successful travel experiences.
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Outside of work, he enjoys football, running, embracing the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life.

Caroline is a travel contracting and product specialist with over 30 years’ experience in inbound and outbound group travel. She leads UK supplier strategy, contracting and pricing, overseeing product development and long-term partnerships across the UK. Her background includes multi-currency negotiations, worldwide contracting, cost and competitive analysis, quality management, brochure content creation and operational delivery across Europe, Africa and Asia. She is also Chair of Abbey’s Career Development & Talent Management Committee.
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Outside of work, Caroline enjoys hiking local chalk downland trails, cooking and exploring Kent’s Medieval and Tudor architecture.

Pauline brings over 2 decades of experience in supplier management, negotiation, and relationship building. She is passionate about creating strong partnerships, driving commercial growth, and delivering successful product strategies. Proudly Irish, she values close collaboration with our partners to promote the unique places, products and experiences Ireland has to offer.
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Outside of work, Pauline enjoys family time, much of it spent on the sidelines cheering on her sport’s mad kids, while proudly supporting her native Tyrone or adopted home of Offaly.

Mylène Campalto leads Abbey's leisure sales for our European markets and Latin America, driving growth and strengthening relationships across the continents. With almost 20 years experience with the company, a deep understanding of travel and a passion for personalized service, Mylène promotes Abbey’s offerings to clients throughout Europe and South America. Her role focuses on showcasing experiences in Ireland and the UK, ensuring advisors have access to the best itineraries and insider knowledge. Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to excellence, Mylène enjoys meeting clients face-to-face and building lasting partnerships.
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Outside of work, she loves exploring new destinations and appreciates quiet moments with a book paired with a nice cup of tea or a fine whiskey.

Chris joined Abbey in September 2024 with a solid track record in inbound sales for over 20 years. With in-depth knowledge of the US, Canadian and Australian markets Chris now leads Leisure Sales in the North America and Long-Haul division, based remotely in London. Chris is a passionate industry champion and is currently serving as a Board Member of UKinbound, the only trade association dedicated to growing inbound tourism specifically to the UK. Chris holds a First Class Degree and a Professional Diploma in Marketing.
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He is a music lover playing guitar and piano and with an encyclopaedic knowledge of his favourite group, The Beatles!

Katrin is an experienced Business Development and Sales professional with over 20 years in the travel and hospitality sector across mainland Europe, Ireland, and the UK. She currently serves as a Head of Business Development Manager based in London, where she leads strategic partnerships, product development, and sales growth initiatives. She is recognised for her strong commercial mindset, exceptional relationship‑building skills, and in‑depth destination knowledge.

Nicolas is the Head of Customer Care and Operations for Leisure Groups in the UK, with 20 years of experience in the travel industry. Originally from France, he has built his career at Abbey, progressing from Account Executive to senior leadership roles and managing teams across the UK and Ireland. Based in Edinburgh, Nicolas focuses on improving customer experiences through operational innovation, e-commerce development, and team growth, combining operational excellence, collaboration, and a people-centric approach.
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Outside of work, Nicolas enjoys traveling and hiking. His favorite UK spots include the historic charm of Bath and the breathtaking landscapes of the Isle of Harris.

Martina has been part of the company for over 12 years, starting as an intern and growing into a management role within the FIT department in the Ireland office. Her passion for travel and tourism has been at the heart of her journey, and she values being part of a company that shares strong core values. She enjoys working closely with others to create smooth and memorable travel experiences.
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Outside of work, Martina loves photography and travelling, often combining both to capture new places and cultures.

Derek Dear has spent over a decade with Abbey, leading our FIT operations in the UK and curating exceptional experiences for discerning travelers. Passionate about discovering unique accommodations and immersive activities, Derek ensures every itinerary reflects authenticity and quality. He regularly travels throughout the USA and Canada, strengthening relationships with advisors and sharing the latest bespoke offerings across Ireland and the UK. Known for his hands-on approach, Derek often tests new experiences himself to guarantee they meet the highest standards.
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Outside of work, he enjoys exploring local walking trails with friends, embracing the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life.