NEST Names Former Agency Owner April Swales as BDM

The Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST) announced today that former agency owner April Swales has joined the company as a business development manager (BDM).

In a statement, NEST said the appointment is part of a larger sales and services expansion to meet increased demand. In her new role as BDM, Swales will support strategic growth through spearheading agency outreach initiatives, building relationships while highlighting the benefits of NEST affiliation.

Based in North Carolina, Swales brings to the role several years of industry experience. In addition to running her own luxury travel agency for nine years, she has experience working in business development. Most recently, she served as director, marketing & sales at Uniglobe Travel Center, where she led advisor recruitment and mentorship for more than 500 agencies.

“April’s ability to cultivate relationships and drive results will help take NEST to new levels of achievement,” said NEST senior vice president Wayne Spector. “She has a keen eye for identifying agencies that share our entrepreneurial spirit and a powerful way of communicating the transformative value of NEST affiliation. Our customized business coaching, proprietary technology and lead-generating marketing programs consistently convert agency interest into action.”

NEST is in a growth period, having added 81 agencies in 2025, contributing $253 million in preferred partner sales.

Swales is the second agency owner in recent months to join the NEST sales team. TRAVELSAVERS and NEST appointed Heather Di Pietro as director of business development back in October.