At ventura TRAVEL, we consider our most valuable assets to be our team, a group of motivated and authentic individuals who have their heart in the right place.The different characters, the common team spirit and the overall focus on achieving the company’s objectives are the reasons why our team is top notch. No obstacle is too high and no distance too far. At ventura TRAVEL, the sky's the limit.
We have currently more than 80 employees. You can find the complete team by reaching our respective brands’ team pages. Here’s a small insight into the ventura TRAVEL team! Welcome to our world.
Andre Kiwitz - CEO & Founder
Authentic travel & Entrepreneurship
Andre started the company during his studies in 2001 as viventura. He experienced tour operators offering boring trips throughout South America, without enabling the travelers to experience real South America. After founding the company in Germany, he moved to South America in late 2001 and lived for a total of 12 years in South America. Over the years, next to his passions for travel, South America and the Internet, a passion for Entrepreneurship and good leadership grew. As a consequence, he started Ventura TRAVEL in 2015 with a clear Vision: To empower talented tourism professionals with a strong passion for a travel niche and enable them to start their own brand within Ventura. This way the intrapreneurs could focus on what they are best in while getting the infrastructure from an established tour operator. In his private life, Andre enjoys spending time with his wife & son and loves to eat good ceviche.
Erick Feijóo- Integrator
U.S.-born, Ecuadorian bred, Berliner by choice
Erick works from our Berlin office as Integrator and oversees our company's business operations. From a very early age, he's been fascinated by new languages and cultures, and he especially enjoys getting to know countries' politics and history. Erick's family is from Ecuador and Peru, and he previously worked on economic development issues across different Latin American countries. He joined ventura TRAVEL after working in Washington D.C., Germany, Belgium, and Costa Rica.
Francesca - Head of New Brands-Business Development
Language freak in love with Japan
Francesca left her beloved hometown in Italy 10 years ago to explore the world and look for new adventures. Ever since, she has been living in many different cities, from Lisbon to Miami, from Kyoto to Berlin. Her great passion for people and cultures brought her to learn as many as 7 languages and to see almost 50 countries. While remaining strongly connected to her city in Tuscany, her heart beats for Japan, the place on earth she loves most. When not working on Japaventura, Francesca can be found in the best restaurants in town, practicing foreign languages and trying out some new food, possibly Japanese.
Michael Guiet - Group Travel Director
Globe-trotter for life
Michaël has always been passionate about traveling and discovering new cultures. After studying tourism in Paris, he decided to settle in Santiago de Chile where he worked in a travel agency. He took the opportunity to discover the richness of Latin America. Upon his return, he chose to live in Berlin where he works as a tour guide. In December 2014, he joined the Ventura team in the Berlin office. He now knows South America like the back of his hand, with a preference for Brazil and Patagonia. Passionate about creating new itineraries and finding unique experiences, he will be able to give you all the details you need for your travel plans.
Benno - Platforms Founder and Director
A true South America Enthusiast
Benno has traveled all over Latin America. While traveling seems built into his DNA, his love for Central and South America started during his university studies. For a research job for his master's thesis, Benno moved to Cuba and subsequently traveled all through Central America, before ending up in Colombia and Ecuador. During his time as marketing manager for viventura.de, he fell in love with the Galapagos Islands. Benno now works both from the Galapatours head office in Berlin and the beautiful archipelago in Ecuador.
Damian Myrda - Manager Viventura & Puraventura DE Market
Fascination for Latin America travel since childhood
Damian regularly traveled to Argentina as a child and discovered his fascination for the continent of the south. After a student exchange in the Pampas, where he was deeply immersed in the local culture, he later studied at a university in the south of the country and in Buenos Aires. While studying social sciences, he traveled to other countries in Latin America. Afterwards, he lived and worked in Buenos Aires for three years before deciding to share the knowledge of his beloved continent with other travel-loving explorers, first as a Travel Specialist for Patagonia (Argentina & Chile) and now as the team leader of our passionate team of travel specialists.
Mathilde Siccardi - Manager Viventura & Puraventura FR Market
A traveler with a passion for culinary and musical discoveries
Mathilde is passionate about travel and Latin America in particular. Mathilde has been living in Colombia and has lived a few months in Argentina. She travelled a lot of times to Latin America to a lot of countries, from North to South! Her passion leads her to work in tourism as guide, travel specialist and now manager of the team.
She is always looking for the typical food or new flavors, as well as the best dance floor to dance on the rhythms of each country she visits.
Dai Tatai - Brand Director Japaventura
Japanese politeness, Bavarian coziness
Servus Everyone! A Japanese, born in Berlin, raised in Bavaria, studied in Australia, UK, Italy and Switzerland. Worked in Canada and Japan. Dai has lived, worked and learned in different cultures throughout his life. Dai leads the Japaventura team and is responsible for the operation, sales and product. He speaks English, Japanese and German fluently and a little bit of French and Bavarian. His passion is to create a bridge between Japan and the world and show our guests the wonders of Japan as seen through his eyes. If he is not working on creating unforgettable trips to Japan, then you will see him on the football pitch somewhere in the suburbs of Munich, as a compassionate coach or a fan of a club which will not be mentioned here to keep objectivity :)
Emke Prakken - Africaventura Founder and Director
A bush lover with ambition
Emke is an adventure-driven tourism professional, who will launch a new Ventura Travel brand for Africa. Born and bred in the Netherlands, with a passion for the African continent that runs deep! Her family’s love for Africa led to her dream to one day live ‘in the bush’. That dream came true when she started training as a Game Ranger in South Africa. Emke was then able to turn her passion into her profession and started working in the tourism industry. Doing what she loves most: sharing the beauty of the African continent with others! After living in Kenya and Malawi, she is now based in Cape Town where she can pursue another passion: eating well and drinking delicious wine - while surrounded by beautiful nature.
Anthony Pycroft - Asiaventura Director
Adrenaline Junkie addicted to travel
Based in Thailand, I am the Brand Director for Asiaventura. I am married, I cherish family life with my 10 year old son and Honey, our golden retriever. Having lived across Asia, my passion for travel integrates seamlessly with my professional role. I contribute to dynamic projects at Asiaventura's office, weaving my experiences into the vibrant life of the travel industry.
Sylvia Einsentraut - Brand Director Feast
Train hard and Race fast BUT Eat slow and Enjoy every sip of life.
Sylvia, born and raised in Germany, grew up traveling off-grid with her active family. Her first encounter with Italy was in Catania, Sicily, for a university internship, followed by backpacking from South to North and Erasmus studies in Turin, where she still lives. Introduced to skiing, swimming, and running at a young age, Sylvia is now part of a triathlon team in Turin. Concerned about the loss of human connection, time, respect, and attention to food, Sylvia is dedicated to helping producers raise awareness and revive sensitivity to these issues. Leading travelers to explore the UNESCO World Heritage "Mediterranean Diet" is a dream come true for her. She believes every traveler is an ambassador, keeping this intangible heritage alive for future generations.
Jessica Kuehn - Chinatours Director
Adventurer and Dumpling Fan
Jessica's first trip to Hong Kong 12 years ago sparked her passion for Asia. Later, she moved to Shanghai, where she immersed herself in Chinese culture for a year. With a deep enthusiasm for tourism and many years of experience in the industry, she now leads China Tours, sharing her expertise and her enthusiasm for the country's culture, history, nature, and culinary treasures with travelers.
Micaela Garcia - Brand Director Galapatours
A truth-seeker with a passion for travel
Born in Argentina, half raised in Canada. She knew from a very young age that traveling will be an important part of her life. She strongly believes that to travel is to learn. Did her universities studies in Buenos Aires, and became a multilingual Tour Guide. Seeking new challenges, she's now the lead of the Galápagos team ready to deliver an amazing experience! In her free time, she loves vintage stores and is a spiritual truth-seeker who meditates 2 hours a day.
Hannes Schleicher- Marketing Director
Digital nomad. Nature lover. World saver. Always on the lookout for the next adventure
Hannes is a passionate designer. His love of data and design is reflected in his work. But above all, he is a team player who puts his heart and soul into the growth of his team and Ventura. What is his goal in life? To make every trip an unforgettable experience and leave the world a bit better in the process.
Antonino Segreto aka Nino - SEO Specialist
Book-loving travel addict
Nino’s background is in Sustainable Tourism and Economics. A book-lover and travel addict, he has developed a great passion for the digital world in the past 6 years while working as a Digital Marketer for different Berlin start-ups. He now works at Ventura Travel as an SEO Specialist. His other interests include rock music, movies, and sociology.
Louis Poissant - SEA Specialist
Always open to novelty
Specialist of performance marketing, he is a big fan of sports and gastronomy. After an MBA in Paris and his first work experience in Berlin, he moved to Asia for several months and took Japanese classes to increase his immersion. In charge of performance marketing in the marketing department of Ventura Travel, he can combine two things he enjoys: numbers and writing.
Kelly Dignan - Copywriter Team Lead
Perpetual wanderer
Originally from Toronto, Kelly’s passion for discovery has led her around the world, having visited more than 65 countries and experienced countless adventures, including spending five days on a boat floating down the Amazon, accidentally attending a Bedouin wedding, and being “trapped” in Bali during an active volcano. After seven years in Asia, she now lives in Berlin where she satisfies her curiosity with lake swims, gallery visits, and weekend markets. An avid reader and writer, Kelly hopes to share her love of exploration to inspire others to not just put more stamps in their passports but collect more stories to share.
Gisella Duro - English and Dutch Market Coordinator
A good communicator with a passion for people, environment and cultures
Gisella just joined the Marketing Department at Ventura Travel. She is soon finishing her studies in Communication. Over the years, she has been living in different countries across Europe learning new languages, getting new interests, and meeting a lot of people. Working for Ventura connects her interest in traveling and sustainability with her professional goals in Marketing and Communication.
Sophie van der Meulen - Social Media Specialist
Sustainable solo traveler with a taste for craft beer
Sophie works in the marketing team for Ventura Travel. She is originally from the Netherlands but settled in Berlin after a few years as a digital nomad. Sophie is passionate about sustainable tourism, solo travel, and is always looking for adventure. She especially loves trying local craft beer and street food on her travels. In the summer, you can find her hiking in nature or relaxing in a beer garden.
Zlatan Porobic - Paid Search Specilaist
Musician & dog lover
Zlatan is part of the marketing department, working as a Paid Search Specialist. Originally born in Germany, he has lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina since he was 2 years old. He speaks Bosnian, German, English and has studied French as well. After acquiring a degree in psychology, he started working at an advertising agency, where he had the chance to work with some of the biggest brands in the world through paid search and programmatic advertising. His interests include music, video games and meeting new cultures.
Annie Keller - Copywriter Specialist
Cat person, fascinated by the unknown
Annie is part of Ventura Travel's marketing team, working remotely, mostly from Germany. She's making sure the German-speaking people out there know just how awesome and exciting travel can be, hoping they will all put a trip with one of Ventura's brands on the top of their next birthday wishlist! Annie herself considers herself lucky to have lived in Australia, Turkey, Malta, and Ireland. But no matter where she is, Annie loves to hike, read books or watch movies, do pottery, study Turkish and dance Lindy Hop.
Massiva Aliane- Copywriter Specialist
Author, lover of words, aesthetics and unknown lands
Massiva is a member of Ventura Travel's Marketing team, based in Paris. She invites travelers to explore the world in the most authentic way possible, engaging with people, savoring the beauty of nature, and delving into the mysteries of other cultures. Having lived in several European countries and in the Middle East, Massiva, a passionate yachtswoman, traverses both land and sea. She is eager to share some of her travel secrets with you, whether it's a yoga and well-being retreat in Bali or a culinary epic in Vietnam.
Giuseppe Sarro- Marketing Specialist
Calcio-addicted Tea-drinking Wanderluster
Giuseppe is returning to Ventura as a former Viventuri to join the Marketing team as an Off-Page SEO and Partnerships Specialist after an 8-year hiatus. As an Italian who grew up in England, he prefers tea to coffee... BUT... Guanciale over bacon and calcio over football! And, since moving to Berlin, Beer > Wine! He is a sports-addicted serial traveler. Viventura assisted him in visiting South America's coolest stadiums and fan cultures, and he hopes to continue the trend worldwide with a little help from Ventura.
Gustavo Cataño - IT Director
IT geek with a contagious lust for life
Gustavo loves the world of software. Long before he finished his studies in System Engineering, he had participated in various projects related to process automatization in web environments. Gustavo has also occasionally lectured at Antioquia University in Colombia. Aside from all things IT-based, he likes sports and enjoys going to rock concerts. He spends much of his free time with his family.
Deyby Vasquez - Scrum Master
Family man with the entrepreneur vibe
Deyby is passionate about tech and entrepreneurship. He is always involved in projects combining the tech world, entrepreneurship, and teaching. He loves to spend time with his family. He tries to learn something new every day, with a bigger focus every 3 months. You’ll find him flying drones, reading, or dancing in his free time.
Genesis Guerrero Martinez - IT Developer
Total geek
Genesis spent six years developing software for enterprises, even before finishing his studies in System Engineering at the University of Magdalena (Santa Marta, Colombia). He's an open-source enthusiast, python evangelist, and JavaScript lover. He also has experience as a lead developer, freelancer, and startup co-founder. Genesis loves to drink craft beer with friends, attend rock concerts, and discover new places to walk and eat.
Jesus Garcia - Website Team Lead
Gamer and Food Lover
Jesus is a Systems and Computer Engineer from Barranquilla, Colombia, passionate about web and mobile development. He enjoys learning new technologies and constantly challenge himself, in his free time he loves to play video games or prepare innovative food recipes.
Juan Daniel Rios- IT Developer
Curious is my third name
Daniel is part of the amazing IT team, with an MBA degree, who decided to change his career for something that he really loves... Tech! He loves photography, playing guitar, travel on his motorcycle, and learning how things work.
Alfredo Ortegon- IT Developer
Always learning, always exploring, and always hungry
Fredo is a tech-enthusiast with a never-ending thirst for knowledge. When he's not behind a computer screen, you can find him exploring nature on his mountain bike or indulging in his love for food. Fredo brings a positive and energetic attitude to the workplace.
Julio Mendez- IT Developer
Chess lover and life learner person
Julio is a web developer and electronic engineer, a continuously growing person that likes to learn and teach about interesting subjects. Right now, Julio is working at Ventura as a software developer. His hobbies are dancing salsa and playing chess, he also enjoys playing guitar. As of now, he is happy with the Ventura team and is looking forward to keeping learning and making meaningful connections.
Alejo Garcia- IT Developer
Bookworm, programming addict, music lover
Alejo is an Argentinian full-stack web developer. Besides programming, he loves reading (mostly sci-fi), learning about the stock markets, and listening to pretty much any music genre. When hanging out with friends, he likes to play chess, video games, and card games, he also enjoys discussing life and politics
Roberto Spinelli- IT Developer
Outdoors and computers
Roberto has a background as a professional mountain guide and Wilderness First Responder. He is based in El Chaltén, Patagonia. In the last few years, he decided to dedicate himself to studying IT, and building a professional career as a developer. He now works as a full stack developer on Ventura's IT team. When he's not programming, he loves to spend his time practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or being outdoors in the mountains.
Pablo Basili- IT Developer
Chill hiker and father.
Pablo is an easy-going developer from Argentina. He is a proud father of two sons, one who is five years old, and another on the way, expected to arrive in 2024. Residing in the hilly area in the center of Argentina, his spare time is devoted to outdoor activities and family time. During his college years, he was also an amateur soccer player, but now, running and stretching take up all the weekly training hours.
Sebastian Morales- IT Developer
Food and music lover
Sebastian is passionate about creativity, design, and writing. He is a software engineer working in the IT department as a full-stack developer in a medium-sized city in Colombia called Bucaramanga. Sebastian studied music at university, majoring in classical piano. As a hobby, he plays the bass guitar and occasionally produces his own compositions and songs. Sebastian is eager to learn new things out of curiosity, is a team player who does not believe in organizational heroes, and is an easy-going person. He possesses a great sense of product quality and user experience.
Jose Sanchez- DevOps Engineer
Runner, chilaquiles lover and puzzle solver
Jose is a DevOps Engineer at Ventura Travel who is always there for helping anyone in any inquire that they may have. He will always meet you with a smile and maybe a joke.
Juan Sepúlveda- Data Team Lead
All I need is a laptop and a swimming pool
Juan is an Aeronautical Engineer from Colombia, passionate about Data and Software Development. In 2018, he had the opportunity to live and study in Barcelona as an exchange student, and from that experience, he discovered his potential and passion for programming. Since then, he has been involved in software projects with high impact in local communities. Now he is a player of the IT Team of Ventura Travel as Data Engineer. When he is not coding, you can find him in the Church or in the swimming pool.
Manuel Orejuela- Data Engineer
Passionate reader and enthusiastic investor of financial markets.
Manuel is an Electronic Engineer who loves thinking that by coding and analyzing the data, the world can be changed. After the COVID-19 pandemic, he discovered as a hobby the passion for finances, stock market investment, and learning from reading books. As a Data Engineer at Ventura Travel, he is looking to grow professionally as much as he can by meeting new people, learning new technologies, and living life itself.
Lisandro Insausti- Data Analyst
Passionate about engineering, technology, cities, and great challenges.
Lisandro is passionate about new challenges. Working as an industrial engineer, he has lived in three different countries, and he is a backpacker by heart and spirit. Nowadays, he works as Data Analyst for Ventura TRAVEL from Buenos Aires, being part of the dynamic Data Team.
Marcia Sánchez - Human Relations Director
Passion for travelling and discovering new cultures
Marcia loves working with people and found her passion working in Human Resources. In her spare time, she loves to travel and feels the happiest when she can get to know a new country, a new culture and new people.
Ana Maria Caceres - Human Relations Specialist
Family, friends and chocolate
Born in Medellin, raised in Bogota and Santa Marta. Ana is the HR coordinator for our office in Medellin. She has been an entrepreneur for most of her working life. She has a communication degree and her passion is to help others. She enjoys traveling to tropical places and loves the Caribbean. She is very family orientated and enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She enjoys cooking all kinds of food and watching movies. Dark chocolate, wine, and coffee are always welcome.
Areli Callisaya - Human Relations Specialist
Always looking forward to meeting new people and their cultures
Originally from Bolivia, Areli has spent almost half of her life in Germany for various reasons. She developed a fondness for Berlin due to its diverse cultures and the warmth of its people. Areli's academic achievements include a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, with a focus on the hospitality industry. Her passion for promoting an inclusive work environment inspired her to pursue a career in the HR department. She strives to make every individual feel valued and supported in their professional development. In her leisure time, Areli enjoys various activities such as dancing, singing, and socializing with friends. Traveling is also one of her favorite pastimes.
Patricio Grez - Finance Director
Enthusiastic, curious by nature, opening new paths
Patricio joins our Ventura Team as Head of Finance, bringing a vast experience with him. Not only in pure finance topics, but also in its relation across different areas of an organization. Passionate traveler, but slow travel. Spending time and living in different countries and cultures has always given him good experiences. He is open to new challenges and willing to share with others.
Gabriela Palma - Accountant Expert, South America
Responsible and punctual
Gabriela lives in Cuzco, Peru. She graduated from a private university in Australia 3 years ago. After graduation, Gabriela worked in an accounting firm and is now an accounting assistant at Ventura TRAVEL. Active and responsible, Gabriela loves teamwork and cooperation! When it comes to her, one thing is certain: the job will be well done. She hopes to contribute to the smooth running of Ventura TRAVEL.
Santiago Piedrahita - Finance Specialist
Friendly and always willing to know new people and cultures.
Santiago is a financial administrator with around 5 years of experience in accounting and finance-related areas. He joined Ventura TRAVEL as a finance specialist and is happy to put his experience in the service of the company and acquire new knowledge. He enjoys hanging out with friends, and traveling is the activity he likes the most. He's been to over 5 different countries but hopes to know much more in the future.
Luz Riveros - Finance Specialist
Hard-working woman with a passion for life, dancing, books, and learning
Luz has been enrolled in the great finance department in order to keep the fast pace and the motivation going. She is located in Bogotá, Colombia but has experience in different countries, thus contributing to Ventura's international background.
Dimakatso Mokoena - Finance Specialist
Courageous Healer
Dima is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is joining the Finance team as a Finance Specialist. Dima enjoys visiting the mountains for rejuvenation and spiritual connection. With a degree in finance and extensive experience in foreign currency transactions, she is eager to share her knowledge to ensure the smooth operation of the finance team and contribute to the company's success. Dima is also excited about learning from colleagues around the world.
Yanga Mbixane- Finance Specialist
Cartoon-loving homebody.
Yanga is based in Pretoria, South Africa. She has a great appreciation for peaceful natural scenery and a good sci-fi book. With a Finance degree, her experience ranges from basic financial administration to tax work. Yanga is joining the finance team as a finance specialist and is looking forward to learning and growing with the company.
Kim Feldesz, Sales Director
Adventurer at heart
Ever since she can remember, Kim was driven by a natural curiosity that brought her to new places and cultures. Always searching for the unknown, she has lived and worked in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Canary Islands, before she finally settled down in France. Despite her adventurous heart, Kim loves when things are in order. As part of the Ventura team she can live out her two sides: organization geek and passionate adventurer.
Claudia Ghersi - Sales Specialist
Foodie by Nature and Traveler at Heart
Claudia works from Lima as Sales Specialist. Always passionate about travelling, learning and having new authentic experiences, Claudia found her vocation in the Hospitality Industry. She moved to Switzerland to finish her Masters and decided to stay working in Europe afterward. Later, she moved to the Middle East to continue her career, working in both operations and sales departments before moving to Peru.
Maxime Fournier, Sales Specialist
Travel addicted kitesurfing fan
Maxime is a 33-year-old French expatriate currently telecommuting from Curitiba, Brazil, as a sales specialist for Ventura travel. Passionate about geography and history since early childhood, it was only natural that he should choose a career in tourism. Driven by curiosity and discovery, he never misses an opportunity to travel. An avid kitesurfer, he has traveled the world in search of the most beautiful spots and to satisfy his passion for travel and sport.
Alix Paitrault - Sales Specialist
Pastry and travel fan
Alix is a 29-year-old French woman who loves to cook and travel, and joined Ventura's sales department.
Annemarie Kienzle - Sales Specialist
Travel Enthusiast and Cape Town Resident
Annemarie is a travel enthusiast who studied tourism and moved to Cape Town out of love for South Africa and her husband. She loves the sea, the sun, and other cultures, and now enjoys every sunny day in the Mother City. Currently, she works as a Sales Specialist in the Sales Department of Ventura Travel, where she brings her passion for travel.
Marie Witzel - VSocial Director
Travel addiction and curiosity
Discoveries and great encounters while traveling are the reason for Marie's involvement and passion for tourism. Marie has traveled almost all of South America and lost her heart to Argentina. Taking a different perspective for a while traveling is especially educational and inspiring for her. Her involvement with VSocial and a master's degree in non-profit management have changed her perspective professionally. Previously, Marie worked for Viventura in product and sales management. She is happy to now be able to support the communities in the destinations with VSocial.
Ifigenia Garita aka Ifi - Coordinator Central America
Traveling, Understanding, Helping Others
Ifgenia inherited her passion for the natural sciences from her mother and dedicated her studies to discovering the delicate and fascinating world of tropical biology. She combines her knowledge of natural science with a belief in the power of education to help preserve the natural wealth found in tropical forests.
Camilo Alvarado - Coordinator South America
Addicted to theater and to discovering new places
Camilo also enjoys sharing a good meal with good wine. He is the coordinator of vSocial's social projects for South America. He worked for several years in the field of human rights and for local development projects in different regions of Colombia and Latin America. He is convinced that the combining of processes, networked work, and collaborative work can strengthen local processes and territorial autonomy. He has been part of vSocial since August 2017.
Gabriela Cascione - Operations Director
Travel Enthusiast
Gabriela always had a passion for travelling and knowledge. Born in Brazil, she chose Berlin for her home. Having worked before in a travel agency, she realizes that it is in the Tourism Industry that her passion lies. Working at Ventura Travel as Ground Operations Manager, she can put this passion into practice.
Marilia Rosa - Add-On Coordinator FR Market
Passionate traveler and language enthusiast
Her passion for traveling began at a young age, during family trips. Growing up in a small town, she was always in contact with and enjoys being close to nature. Her interests include learning new languages and discovering more about other cultures, habits, and traditions. So far, she speaks Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Samba, playing board games, and watching movies and series. Loves drinking coffee and eating good food. She lives in São Paulo, Brazil, and works as a Travel Product and Operations Specialist (Add-ons department) for the French Market.
Ericka Ammurio - Flights Director
Passion for Flights
Ericka has a university degree in Tourism Management and an education in hotel Management and Gastronomy. She is a friendly, fun and open-minded person who enjoys learning new things. One of her great passions is traveling, she loves to get to know new people and cultures. She is especially enthusiastic when people come to Bolivia to discover it because she loves her country, her culture and the Bolivian way of life. Ericka is responsible for the Flights department at Ventura TRAVEL.
Stefan Kühn- Flights Specialist
Committed to each occurrence
Stefan has been responsible for flights at Viventura since May 2005.
His last trip to Peru was in 2014. Especially the diversity of the country and the unique nature inspired him.
Cintia Frias - Flights Specialist
Cake and Sweets Lover
Cintia likes to read historical books or biographies of great people. She appreciates the peace and quiet at work, because at home with her children it is often noisy. She loves challenges and is usually a perfectionist in her job.
Isabel Sánchez - Flights Specialist
Loves to Dance
Maria Isabel is a cheerful person who loves to travel, learn from different cultures and explore new places, especially when activities in the water are involved. She also enjoys volunteering and works once a month with a group of friends who are fans of the local football team Bolívar, visiting places such as retirement homes and public schools outside La Paz. They help with repairs and wherever help is needed. Although she enjoys these activities a lot, she loves dancing the most. She has been following this passion for almost 15 years and not only dances hip hop, jazz, and contemporary dances but is also a Zumba teacher.
Ana Llerena - Flights Specialist
Passionate Cook and Traveler
Ana works as a Flights Specialist in La Paz, Bolivia. She is very calm, hard-working and loves to help others. Life in harmony is very important to her. She is looking forward to learning at Ventura TRAVEL because for her every day is a great opportunity to learn from people, places, and experiences.
Sandy Durán - Flights Specialist
Love for Travel and Food Tasting
Sandy works in the field of tourism for more than 12 years, it is truly her vocation. She really loves to travel and meet new people, tasting delicious food and trying different tourism activities in new places. Also, she loves listening to music while she takes a walk, reading novels and especially spending time with her friends.
Nelly Mamani - Junior Flights Specialist
Physical Activity, Adventure, and Health
Nelly works in the Flight Operations Department as a Junior Flight Specialist. She enjoys physical activities and, on weekends, always plays volleyball, works out at the gym, or rides a bike. She loves adventures and has cycled on Death Road, climbed Huayna Potosi, paraglided south of the city of La Paz, and gone rafting in Yolosita, Los Yungas. She always tries to eat as healthily as possible. If she has the chance, she almost always avoids problems and arguments.
Rayhaan Fredericks - Flights Specialist
Outdoors Enthusiast
Rayhaan is our Flights Specialist based in Cape Town. In this role, he leverages his capabilities to offer valuable insights and support in the travel and flight sector, contributing to the success of the team and ensuring a seamless experience for Ventura Travel customers. Outside of work, Rayhaan loves listening to music and appreciating the wonderful views of nature and the beauty of landscapes.
Monica Arancibia - Flights Specialist
Wine and coffee enthusiast
Monica started as a trainee in the Flights department and quickly advanced to become a Flights Specialist. She is eager to learn and loves travel and good food, always looking to see more of the world. Monica is a caring person who is constantly seeking new experiences.
Cristian Gomez - Flights Specialist
Going Through Life with an Open Heart and an Open Mind
Cristian is a dreamer, from aspiring to go to space to leaving a lasting legacy. He loves to travel, soak in new cultures, and is passionate about learning new languages. As a Flight Operations Specialist, he brings his A-game to help elevate ChinaTours and Asiaventura to the next level.
Rosa Pacheco - Ground Operations Manager LATAM
Passionate traveler and lover of weaving silver and wool threads.
Rosa has always been passionate about work in tourism, it allows her to know, experience, and appreciate everything around her, also inspires people to travel to share an experience. She enjoys looking for improvements to create awesome travel experiences, she feels that working in tourism is doing what she was meant to do. She feels very lucky of working in the tourism industry and, furthermore, in a company that develops sustainable tourism.
Maria Cristina Egüez- Ground Operations Specialist South America
Lover of nature, animals and daily learning
Ecuadorian, passionate about traveling, and a lover of football and reading. She has been working in tourism since 2010 and knows that Ecuador is the perfect country to discover the diversity of cultures, landscapes, gastronomy, and wildlife of a small part of South America. She likes to offer the world the wonders that can be found in every corner of her beautiful country. Not only that, but she works every day with the purpose, that our customers are happy and satisfied with the products and quality we offer. For this and more, she invites you to enjoy the best and most unforgettable experiences in Ecuador and many destinations around the world with Ventura Travel
Pablo Calla- Ground Operations Specialist South America
Living life intensely, traveling where adventure calls
Operations Specialist in the Latin American region and consultant for other countries, the work on the site reflects the passion we have for our diverse cultures and scenarios, the objective is to be able to share beautiful experiences that make each of the people who visit us feel they are received like home.
Cristina Castillo - Ground Operations Specialist South America
Passionate Ecuadorian in love of the beautiful colors of Ecuador.
Cristina is a proud Ecuadorian who was inspired by the opportunity to get to know this diverse country and therefore make tourism her passion and profession. She likes to work in tourism to offer sustainable activities to travelers all over the world. With her work at Ventura, she wants to contribute with her professional and personal experience so that our travelers can take the best memories from colorful Ecuador.
Maria Soledad Cruz - Ground Operations Specialist South America
Always with a smile.
15 years ago Soledad finished her career in Business Administration and by chance went to do her internship at a travel agency, since then she has lived her passion for Tourism every day. It has been 3 years in ground Operations, coordinating and negotiating with suppliers to provide the best experience to our clients. She puts her heart into everything she does.
Neida Montoya - Ground Operations Specialist South America
The path is made by walking
Neida describes herself as an enthusiastic, empathetic, collaborative, and kind person. She is always willing to offer help and give a smile. Neida is determined in the projects she works on. She understands that life is made up of both good and challenging moments. She believes that it is essential to recognize who we are in order to move forward in every situation, even when we are vulnerable
Haidy Garofalo- Ground Operations Specialist Colombia
Curious Explorer and Tourism Enthusiast
Meet Haidy, a curious explorer passionate about uncovering the "whys" behind cultures and places. With a love for learning and a keen interest in tourism, Haidy enjoys connecting with people. As a Ground Operations Specialist in Colombia for Viventura, she actively contributes to the industry, constantly seeking improvements to create memorable journeys. Combining curiosity and a love for exploration, Haidy feels privileged to work in sustainable tourism, adding a unique touch to every adventure.
Paula Vargas- Ground Operations Specialist Costa Rica
Travel junkie with a camera, loves nature and coffee.
Costa Rican with a love for travel, nature, and coffee, Paula’s passion for new cultures and places started young. Always on the lookout for exciting adventures, she believes in the life-changing power of experiences and feels grateful to work in tourism, crafting unforgettable memories. Currently working as a ground operations specialist remotely, excited for professional and personal growth.
Jose Garcia- Ground Operations Specialist Peru -Bolivia
Enjoy Life, Travel
Jose is passionate about travel, sports (especially soccer), and spending time with family and friends. He has a degree in Tourism and feels fortunate to work in a field he loves. With his experience, proactive approach, and positive attitude, he’s ready to make your travel experience in South America truly exceptional.
Martin Guirey- Ground Operations Manager EMEA
A lifelong travelling Brit, now settled in Thailand
Martin has been on the road and working in tourism in numerous countries since waving goodbye to his native England at the age of 16. Thailand finally stole his heart, and that’s where he’s now happily settled. He believes that life is about seizing the day and valuing every moment and person that crosses his path. As Ventura Travel's Ground Operations Manager for Asia and Africa, he's all about making sure his team and customers get the most out of their journeys. Off-duty, Martin is a huge football fan, especially when it comes to his beloved Manchester City. And when he's not at the office, he's never happier than when spending quality time with his family.
Derek Hollenbaugh - Ground Operations Specialist Japan
Adventurer Looking for the Best Food
Derek was born in Yokohama, Japan, and grew up there until he was 6 years old. Then he moved to the United States, where he moved around a bit until his graduation from the University of Houston in 2022. He moved back to Japan after university and plans to stay here for the unforeseeable future. Another thing about him is that he really loves traveling, and he has visited about 10 countries so far! His love for discovering brand-new foods and learning about different cultures really broadens his mind and improves his taste palate!
Precious Ramukhadi - Ground Operations Specialist - South Africa
Horror movie fanatic
Precious is the Southern Africa Tour Operations Specialist for Africaventura. She is based in Cape Town, but has plenty of experience all around the country and in different parts of industry.
Son Le Cong - Ground Operations Specialist - Vietnam
Endless passion with the beauty of my homeland.
Son was born in Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam with a thousand years of history. With a passion for travel and culture, he completed a bachelor's degree in tourism management and became involved in the tourism field. He loves the mountains in the Northwest, adores the beautiful long beaches, and appreciates the hospitality of the local people. He loves Vietnam. As a Ground Operation Specialist, he works with local suppliers to improve quality and ensures that 'everything is in order.' He desires that all clients will have the best experience during their trip in Vietnam.
Kathleen Ishibashi - Ground Operations Specialist - Japan
Oregonian by birth but Japan is home
Kathleen is working out of Japan as a ground operations specialist with Japaventura. Originally from Oregon, USA, She has been living in Japan for over 17 years. She previously worked as an English instructor and currently holds a master’s degree in applied linguistics. She sees Japan as a beloved second home and is excited to share all the things she loves about Japan with others.
Trianus Kamati - Ground Operations Specialist - Namibia
Storyteller chasing sunsets and collecting adventures.
Based in the heart of Namibia, Trianus combines unparalleled expertise with a deep passion for the country's diverse landscapes. Trianus' extensive knowledge ensures a memorable and insightful journey..
Alberto Wirz - TC Operations Manager
Passionate Globetrotter
Alberto Wirz is a highly enthusiastic Peruvian-Swiss team player with a passion for traveling and learning. He has traveled to 60 countries (and counting). He is fluent in English, Spanish & French and he is learning Italian. A former luxury TC himself, he has more than 15 years of worldwide working experience in the Travel industry, and he is our Tour Guide Operations Manager. He loves to enjoy Life.
Johan Jansen - TC Operations Specialist
Nature loving rock climber and mountain runner
Hiking and running in the mountains from a tender age instilled into Johan a passion for the outdoors that has only grown stronger over the years. He grew up in a small town close to the Kruger National Park, a setting that reinforced his love for nature. Johan has been actively involved in the Adventure industry since 2010, when he earned a National Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management. Since then, he’s been registered and qualified in Mountain Walking Leader, Off-Trail Overnight Mountain Guiding, Level 3 Wilderness First-Aid and Single-pitch sport-climbing. Johan has also led operations for various adventure companies based in South Africa and the UAE. Johan will be responsible for TC Ops topics for brands situated in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Danae Delgado - TC Operations Specialist
Nature & Adventure junkie
Danae's sense of adventure started since she was very little, and was able to make a career out of it in the tourism industry. She's always looking for new opportunities to explore the world and enjoys so much being in touch with the Pachamama (Mother Earth). During her tour leading years around Central & South America, she discovered her passion for diving: being able to breathe underwater is a feeling she will never let go. Fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese, and with over 10 years of experience in travel operations in the region, Danae has joined the Ventura Travel family as part of the TC Operations Specialist team for Latin America.
Pablo Perez - TC Operations Specialist
Cultural Travel Enthusiast
Pablo is a Chilean globetrotter who was born in Madrid, Spain and raised in Germany, with strong roots connecting him to his beloved Chile. He has a deep passion for travel, immersing himself in diverse cultures and idiosyncrasies, while also relishing the beauty of various landscapes and thrilling adventures around the globe, all with an open mind. Apart from his extensive travel experience, Pablo nurtures a profound interest in literature, sports, photography, music, and cinema. As a polyglot, his native languages are Spanish and German, and he is also highly fluent in English.
Louise Granval- TC Operations Specialist EMEA
European touring travel professional.
After traveling the world, and Japan in particular, Louise decided to enter the tourism industry. She began working as a guide for Japaventura, and after several trips, she decided to transition to the corporate side to assist guides in the field, improving their experience and making their jobs easier!
Remi Le- TC Operations Specialist EMEA
Culture and Cuisine Vulture.