(NEW YORK, NY) February 10, 2025: Waterstone, the sales, marketing, and communications company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Erica Whitaker as Director of Sales, Eastern Region.

As Director of Sales, Eastern Region, Erica will be responsible for overseeing all of Waterstone’s luxury leisure sales initiatives for the travel advisor segment along with championing new opportunities for Waterstone’s esteemed members. This appointment is a key component of the company's ongoing drive to attract successful talent and fortify its position as an undisputed leader in the luxury hotel representation space.

Kristen Moore, CEO & Owner, comments, “Erica’s partnership experience combined with her expertise in cultivating valuable travel agency preferred partnerships, is a welcomed addition to our growing team. Her attention to detail, positive energy and travel trade partner relationships will be hugely beneficial to Waterstone. We are delighted to have her join us.”

Whitaker is an accomplished professional in the luxury travel and hospitality industry, with a strong background in partnership development and strategic growth. A graduate of the University of Texas, she has spent several years working with an award-winning luxury host agency, helping to elevate their presence in the luxury travel space.

As the former Director of Partner Relations at Gifted Travel Network, Erica was instrumental in shaping the agency’s Preferred Partner Portfolio and securing its place in elite hotel programs. She also led the development of GTN’s proprietary hotel program, expanding its offerings and enhancing the client experience. Beyond partnerships, Erica has a passion for mentorship, playing a key role in attracting and supporting new talent in the industry.

Now embarking on a new chapter, Erica is eager to bring her expertise in relationship management, strategic planning, and industry collaboration to her next opportunity. She lives in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and daughter.

With the addition of a new team associate, Waterstone has also welcomed their newest destination with new Member Amara in Cyprus. Set along with island’s pristine coastline, the five-star retreat offers uninterrupted 180 degree sea views from all 207 rooms and has been recognized as one of Conde Nast Traveler’s top resorts in Europe for four years running.

The company marked its two-year anniversary in January 2025 in partnership with Destinations of Distinction, LLC and Moore continues to strengthen her role at the company as Waterstone’s CEO & Owner. The successful collaboration between the two prominent US sales and marketing representation companies has allowed them to offer enhanced sales, marketing, PR and consulting services to clients and partners.

As Moore continues to guide the multi-year strategic succession plan, Waterstone has offered innovative solutions for strengthening member engagement, including the restyling of initiatives such as educational trips and tradeshow participation. The company has also rolled out new B2C partnerships for members, as well as monthly ad-hoc sales initiatives, and innovative key strategies for MICE and wholesale travel. On the trade side, there have been renewed opportunities to work with travel advisors, especially those of the next generation, with new “Future of Travel” initiatives that specifically target Millennial and Gen Z IC’s. Across the pond, Waterstone’s UK office continues to grow their reach in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand markets, while forging relationships in new markets including Europe and the Middle East. Waterstone has also introduced a series of new marketing opportunities for members in 2025, including digital directories, expanded distribution leads, innovative web-based promotions, social media channel management and more.