The Destination Asia Corporate Profile provides our clients with an overview of the company structure and information on the visionary executives who lead Destination Asia, who deliver the absolute pinnacle of service to our international clientele. Here you will find background information on the Destination Asia Group, including its history and current day services. We also introduce our International Sales Offices and those who are responsible for delivering the services on the ground.
You can download a copy of our Corporate Profile here.
Monique has been in the travel industry since the very beginning of her career, taking on different responsibilities across Asia. First with hotels, then a global representation company, followed by a global hotel chain in a regional capacity, onwards to the B2C, then B2B and finally in the DMC area. Monique joined Destination Asia from the Destination Management division of Hotelbeds Group where she was Global Sales and Marketing Director based in Bangkok. Prior to the 10-year tenure at Hotelbeds Group where she held various regional positions, Monique was the Director and Head of FIT at Pacific World Network, based in Hong Kong.
“I was once told words of wisdom about the work of a DMC – Never forget that we are the ones that inspire peoples’ dreams and lasting memories!“
Jirawan (Aey), has been a key member of Destination Asia Group since joining the company in 2015 as Chief Financial Officer. Graduating with an MBA from Loyola University in Chicago, Aey has business acumen in the fields of banking, hospitality and the travel sector. With over 15 years experience in finance and accounting and 7 years of practice in a regional finance role, Aey has been instrumental in driving forward our finance team from the head office in Bangkok.
“Working in travel has enabled me to not only see more of the world but also meet many talented people from different cultures and backgrounds – which can provide a nice break from focusing on numbers!”
Hong Kong born, Alexa returned to Asia in 2019 to join Destination Asia’s HR team. Prior to this, Alexa has lived and worked across the globe in destinations including The Cayman Islands, the United States of America, Hong Kong, London and Dubai. Prior to joining Destination Asia, Alexa worked for the Emirates Group in Dubai, focusing on HR Planning and Performance, as well as Talent Acquisition. Alexa holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Exeter in the UK.
“Travelling and experiencing new cultures has been a part of my life since birth. I am so fortunate to be able to return to Asia to live and work here. Being part of the Destination Asia HR team has allowed me to combine my love of Asia with my career in HR. Working alongside my HR colleagues across the region, we look forward to supporting our people so that they can deliver exceptional experiences to all our clients.”
Stephen started his life-long career in tourism working on the frontline as an International Rep with the UK’s largest tour operator, often working the summers in beach destinations and the winters skiing in the mountains. His travels and work have since taken to him six continents. In 2007 Stephen moved to Thailand to join Hotelbeds and went on to hold the position of Country Manager at Destination Services, before joining Destination Asia in 2018. Stephen now leads the Project Team from the head office in Bangkok.
“I consider myself to be very fortunate working in the tourism sector, helping make peoples’ dreams come true. The greatest thing about working in tourism is that no two days are the same, and you never know what is going to happen when you wake up in the morning.”
Katie Buxton worked with Destination Asia Group for more than seven years in the position of General Manager (Hong Kong) before assuming the role of Global Director of Sales. An Australian national, Katie provides leadership and strategic direction for Destination Asia’s worldwide sales network. In addition to her management and customer service capability, Katie possesses excellent communication skills and an extensive track record of developing initiatives to increase market share.
“Every day is different and poses a new challenge to relish. I am fortunate to work with all our valued clients and partners in our overseas markets – and have had the opportunity to travel extensively through the stunning continent of Asia.”
Colombian-born Juan is an accomplished and growth-focused leader with over 15 years of experience working with DMCs, Tour Operators, Hotels, and Event Management companies. After leaving his native Colombia at the age of 18 with a goal to travel the world, Juan has travelled to more than 50 countries and has lived and worked in Cambodia, South Africa, U.S.A, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, UAE and Qatar. In 2019 Juan added Thailand to the list to join Destination Asia at the headquarters in Bangkok as Group Product Director.
“I am all about the people and my mission in life is to make a difference any way I can. Creating meaningful and life-changing travel experiences is what I enjoy the most, and if these can change people’s lives, then jackpot.”
Alvin has more than 25 years of personal involvement in the cruise industry, during which time he has held the position of Shore Excursion Manager for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, as well as various senior management roles in Vietnam, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the United States. A Canadian national, Alvin works with key markets to identify new business opportunities and directs the Cruise Asia global sales and operational departments. Alvin also heads product development, port consulting and itinerary planning, and directs the ongoing long term relationships for Cruise Asia by Destination Asia.
“I have been fortunate to work and live in the most vibrant part of the world for more than half of my life, creating unique travel experiences and sharing them with my clients, friends and family.”
David has an extensive background in journalism and spent a number of years working for Archant Media in the UK. Graduating from Leeds Metropolitan, he then assumed the position of editorial assistant at a magazine in London before moving into a web editor role for several publications. Since then David has worked on three different continents, finally falling in love with Asia and Thailand. Joining Destination Asia in 2014, David now leads the marketing and communications team from the head office in Bangkok.
“I’m proud to be part of a creative team that loves generating awareness, interest, and action through the ever-growing types of media available to us. It’s a challenge we rise to every day!”