Global Travel Collection Launches Invitation-Only Cruise Council

Global Travel Collection (GTC) has announced its Cruise Council, an invitation-only advisory body of elite cruise specialists charged with shaping the future of cruise strategy, partnerships and advisor success. GTC is the luxury division of Internova Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel services companies.

Cruise is one of the highest-performing segments within GTC’s business, and the formation of its Cruise Council is a clear signal to the industry: GTC is investing boldly, strategically and collaboratively in cruise as a core pillar of its long-term growth.

Following an overwhelming response from advisors across the organization, a group of top-producing cruise specialists was chosen through a competitive application process. The advisors selected are proven performers, respected industry voices and trusted client advocates.

The GTC Cruise Council includes:

Jade Stewart Nolie
Joe Dias
Leslie Tillem
Lindsay Hirsch
Lou Conkling
Mari Marks
Marla Sandow
Ron Rubin
Russell Dunlap
Sandra Ortiz
Sheilah Benoit
Stevie Friedman
Vanessa Cohen

“This Council was not created to be symbolic. It was created to be impactful,” said Vanessa McGovern, chair of the GTC Cruise Council and senior vice president of Partner Product, Marketing & Events. “The level of interest was extraordinary, and the advisors selected represent a rare combination of performance, insight and leadership. They are shaping the future of cruise at GTC—how we partner, how we sell and how we deliver exceptional value to clients.”

Cruise continues to be GTC’s fastest-growing product category. The GTC Cruise Council will work directly with GTC and Internova leadership to inform cruise strategy, preferred partner alignment, advisor enablement, amenities, training and long-term investments.

For cruise partners, the Council represents a new level of access and collaboration with GTC’s most engaged and influential advisors. For advisors considering a new host home, it reinforces GTC’s commitment to scale, support, strategic partnership and a seat at the table.

“Our advisors are the engine of our success, and this Council reflects how deeply we believe in listening to them and building alongside them,” said Angie Licea, president of Global Travel Collection. “The Cruise Council reinforces our leadership in cruise and our commitment to empowering advisors with the tools, relationships and voice they need to grow.”

The Cruise Council will convene regularly throughout 2026, with sessions focused on emerging cruise trends, client expectations, operational excellence, partner collaboration and advisor-driven innovation. Meetings will include direct engagement with senior GTC leadership and key cruise partners.

For the advisors selected, the Cruise Council is both a distinction and a responsibility—an opportunity to contribute at the highest level while helping elevate the cruise experience for clients around the world.