Hakodate History Guided Walk

Sophie's passion for travel began when she was young, joining her parents for trips abroad. Captivated by the allure of new destinations and diverse cultures, she went on to pursue a degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. After a decade working for a renowned UK travel agent, she transitioned to her role as EXO’s Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland.

Boston-based Amanda Pilar, EXO's Director of Sales for the Americas and ANZ, drives growth in the US, Canada, Latin America, Australia & New Zealand. Backed by 10 years in luxury travel and a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, she forges high-value partnerships and tailored journeys through our destinations. Since joining EXO in 2019 her market insight, operational fluency and service focus have made EXO a trusted ally for travel advisors.

Maya brings 20+ years in travel, spanning leadership and product roles with Asia-focused DMCs in Germany. Having travelled widely in Asia and lived in Bangkok, she supports German-speaking partners from Munich with planning, itinerary refinement and seamless trip delivery.

With 15+ years in the travel industry, Vicky brings deep experience in B2B sales and partner management. Having worked with EXO since her first industry role in 2008, she now supports UK and Ireland partners with destination insight, smooth operations and consistent on-the-ground delivery across EXO’s network.

With 18+ years in the travel industry, Rubby has held senior roles supporting Spanish-speaking markets and launching new destination operations. She works closely with Latin American partners, combining destination insight with a practical focus on seamless delivery from enquiry to return.

As our Chief Commercial Officer Nick leads EXO's commercial strategy and drives growth in key areas including sales, marketing and product innovation. Before joining EXO he spent 10 years working for a top UK tour operator. Starting as our UK Sales Director in 2016, Nick moved to Bangkok in 2018 to become Global Sales Director, before stepping up to take on the CCO position in 2025.

A gap year in Japan ignited a passion for travel that shaped Alex's career, starting in Japan sales before advancing to manage a DMC in Myanmar and later specialising in legal compliance for a top UK tour operator. He brings this extensive industry experience and insight to his role as EXO Sales Manager for Northern Europe. Outside of work, Alex enjoys cycling, baking and tending his garden in Wiltshire.

Born in Bangkok, Pantanida began her career in the travel industry in the early 2000's. After travelling around Southeast Asia for a period of time, she moved to Ho Chi Minh City to help start up the German department for EXO Travel. She has been based in Germany since 2008, where she looks after our German-speaking clients.

Kate joined EXO Travel in 2023 as North American Sales Manager. With a history of extensive travel in Asia and a proven track record as a Virtuoso advisor, she enriches the travel planning process and promotes EXO's diverse destinations with a fresh perspective. Her passion for unique journeys is a boon for both EXO and our partners.

Alice caught the travel bug early, accompanying her parents on cultural and architectural trips as a young child. She went on to study tourism and work for a well-known tour operator before taking a solo trip across three continents. In 2017, Alice joined EXO Malaysia as Inbound & Product Manager and, in 2023, returned to Paris as Sales Manager to support EXO's partners in the French-speaking market.