Classic Vacations Promotes Key Leaders within Supply Management Team

Classic Vacations has announced the promotion of two longtime team members, naming Joelle Apilado Cruz as senior vice president, supply management – Americas, and Bonty Escallon as vice president, supply management – Europe.

Classic Vacations is a full-service B2B2C luxury travel company. In 2025, Classic Vacations was purchased by TBO, a leading global travel distribution and technology platform based in India. The luxury tour operator’s CEO, Melissa Krueger, told TMR that the acquisition was a strategic move, and that TBO’s resources and technology would better position Classic Vacations in the market, enhancing its ability to serve the travel advisor community.

In the announcement, the company stated that the decision was part of an overall initiative at TBO and Classic Vacations to “align their supply management structures for scale, including the formal establishment of an Americas region.”

Cruz has been with Classic Vacations for nearly 25 years, mainly in product development and partnerships roles. She joined the company in 2002 as a product development manager for Hawaii, Mexico, South Pacific, and over the years worked her way up to more senior positions. Most recently, she served as vice president of product strategy and partnerships.

In her new role as SVP, Cruz will lead the Americas region, and will oversee supply strategy, supplier partnerships, contracting across existing and new destinations, and portfolio growth across air, hotels, experiences, and travel protection for both Classic and TBO.

Another longtime presence at Classic, Escallon joined the company nearly 30 years ago in 1997. As VP, supply management — Europe, she will lead the supply business across the region. This includes overseeing portfolio strategy, supplier partnerships, contracting, and product development. Escallon brings to the role extensive knowledge of Europe’s luxury travel landscape, deep supplier relationships, and a long track record of driving growth.

“These appointments mark an important step in creating a unified, high-performance global supply organization,” said Peter Palli, chief supply officer, TBO.