2 February 2026
Gold Medal Travel Group has increased its trade commitment through its appointment of Olivia Martin as its first Northern Ireland‑based Trade Partnerships Executive.
This expansion means a brand-new resource for agents based in Northern Ireland, in addition to the
Olivia joins Gold Medal following almost 7 years as a Senior Travel Consultant with Terra Travel, where last year she was named Northern Ireland Travel Consultant of the Year. On joining the business, Olivia said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Gold Medal team and being part of a trade-only brand that genuinely champions travel agents. Being the first Trade Partnerships Executive on the ground in Northern Ireland is a real achievement for me, and a great opportunity to enhance the strong relationships that are already in place through dedicated and visible support for our partners.”
Gold Medal appointed its first Trade Partnerships Executive 18 months ago, and the team has already grown to six. Basing a Trade Partnerships Executive in Northern Ireland marks a move beyond the current model, strengthening accessibility and presence and aiming to raise the standards for how the Northern Irish travel trade can be supported by tour operators.
Simon Applebaum, Managing Director at Gold Medal said:
“We know from speaking to our agent partners that having a presence on the frontline makes all the difference. Agents in Northern Ireland deserve someone at the end of the street, not just the end of a phone or via email, and we believe the best way to show our commitment to our Northern Ireland-based agents is to give them a dedicated person who is based in their market and can visit them when they need, sit with them at their desks, and really understand the challenges and opportunities that they encounter, supporting them when – and where – they need it the most.”
In her new role, Olivia will focus on strengthening relationships providing tailored training, sales support and market insight across the Gold Medal Travel Group brands.
Karen Fletcher, Director of Trade Partnerships added:
“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Olivia to the team as our first Northern Ireland-based Trade Partnerships Executive. Olivia will be out on the road, in stores and meeting with homeworkers, delivering face-to-face training, and sharing product insight. I’ve no doubt that she will be an asset to our team and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
