Ilona Arnold
Marketing Director
Travel is not only a job for her – it's a passion that has shaped everything she does, professionally and personally. She started out in a travel agency before moving into product management at a tour operator, where she spent over twelve years shaping destinations like Florida, the Bahamas, and Australia. At some point it became clear that the view from behind the scenes wasn't quite wide enough – and so, four years ago, she made the move into destination representation. Today, as Marketing Director, she brings together everything that makes tourism exciting: sales, product, and brand. She knows the industry from every angle and has a talent for turning destinations into stories that actually make people pack their bags. Strategic thinking meets a fine instinct for people and emotion – wrapped in a positive, open attitude and guided by her personal motto: "Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." — Anthony J. D'Angelo
My most memorable travel moment:
Floating in the warm waters of Florida when a manatee swam up, took one look at my hair, and decided it was lunch. Apparently seagrass and highlights look very similar underwater. Magical, slightly surreal, and 100% Florida – I wouldn't have it any other way.
My passion:
Florida - I've been going there since childhood and somewhere along the way it stopped being a destination and started being home – just with better weather and more pelicans. I know the big highlights and the hidden gems, the busy seasons and the quiet ones. And then there's dance: classical ballet since age three, competitive show dance after that, and these days I channel all that energy as a Zumba instructor while not traveling for my clients. Discipline comes naturally, as does expression – both have served me well, on and off the dance floor. And none of it would be possible without the people who cheer me on, keep things running back home, and occasionally tolerate yet another suitcase in the hallway – my family and friends, who make every adventure worth coming home to.
My source of energy:
Sunshine, movement, and the anticipation of the next trip. My personal rule: at least once a year to Florida, and once somewhere I've never been before. Long-haul travel isn't a treat – it's a necessity. Oh, and a weakness for beautiful shoes? Guilty as charged. But in my defense: every great journey begins with the first step – and it might as well be a stylish one.
What I know for sure:
A destination is only as strong as the story it tells. After more than two decades in tourism – as a travel agent, product manager, and now on the representation side – I know what moves people. Not just to book a trip, but to fall in love with a place. Sunshine helps, of course. Good shoes too. But what really makes the difference is knowing your audience, understanding your product, and telling a story that feels real. That's what I bring to every partnership.