New York, NY, December 1, 2022 – SmartFlyer, a New York-based, full-service luxury travel agency with a global footprint, is pleased to announce the appointment of Erina Pindar as Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner, effective December 1.
With over fifteen years of experience in the luxury travel space, the majority of which was spent building the SmartFlyer brand, Pindar will be looking after the next phase of the agency’s growth, including the development of SmartFlyer’s innovative technology platforms upon which more than two hundred SmartFlyer travel advisors based across the United States, Europe, and Australia operate. She will continue to oversee the agency’s Operations, Brand and Communications, Independent Contractor network, and Strategic Partnerships.
“Erina has played a critical role in our agency’s growth both from a brand-building standpoint and fostering the development of our thriving affiliate community,” says Michael Holtz, SmartFlyer founder and CEO.
“We saw an opportunity to build a company – backed by a powerful brand – that appealed to fresh talent with a knack for creating exceptional client experiences from start to finish. Erina has played a critical role in our agency’s growth both from a brand-building standpoint and fostering the development of our thriving affiliate community,” says Michael Holtz, SmartFlyer founder and CEO. “Today, the strength of SmartFlyer’s platform that Erina has championed allows our agency to collectively generate over $500M in annual revenue. After nearly thirty-three years, 2022 will mark our most profitable year ever.”
Erina was the first SmartFlyer agent to be named to the Travel Agent Magazine’s 30Under30 list and has since been honored by Forbes as one of the “Asian Americans Who Are Shaping the Travel Industry.” She is frequently quoted as a travel expert in CNN Travel, Vogue, New York Times, and Forbes. Erina sits on the Travel + Leisure A-List Travel Advisory Board, ACCOR Travel Agent Advisory Board, IHG Global Sales Advisory Panel, and established EQTR, SmartFlyer’s non-profit program providing scholarship and internship opportunities to develop future BIPOC travel leaders and entrepreneurs.
In an effort to drive a better booking experience for all advisors, as well as a frictionless user journey for our mutual and discerning clients, Erina acts as the Chair of Sion’s Advisory Board and sits on the Board of Directors for Lucia, two innovative technology companies revolutionizing the travel agency space. In the months ahead, she will lead our CRM launch in tandem with the rebuild of “smartienet,” SmartFlyer’s internal partner database.
About SmartFlyer
Since 1990, SmartFlyer has helped its clients see the world differently. As a full-service luxury travel agency built for curious travelers, SmartFlyer travel advisors specialize in creating exceptional experiences around the world through curated recommendations and continuous boots-on-the-ground research activated by decades of trusted relationships.
Media Contact: marketing@smartflyer.com
