Rocky Mountaineer Appoints Karen Hardie as Vice President of Global Sales

VANCOUVER, May 5, 2015 /CNW/ - Rocky Mountaineer, provider of inspiring journeys throughout the Pacific Northwest and majestic Canadian Rockies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Hardie as Vice President of Global Sales.

Based in Vancouver, Hardie will be leading the company's international team of sales professionals, expanding business development opportunities with trade partners and focusing on growth with valued partners across all travel industry distribution channels.

"Karen's combination of extensive knowledge, dedication and expertise are invaluable to the growth and development of our amazing company," said Randy Powell, CEO and president, Rocky Mountaineer.  "We are delighted to have someone of her caliber to lead our global sales team and continue to produce extraordinary results."

Hardie joined Rocky Mountaineer in 2012 as the Director Sales, USA, bringing numerous years of experience within the tourism industry along with exceptional sales, marketing and business development skills. She has an outstanding reputation for delivering sales growth and quickly climbed the ranks and relocated to Vancouver to serve as the Director of Global Sales Operations in late 2013. Prior to joining Rocky Mountaineer, Hardie was the Vice-President of Sales for Stella Travel USA. She has also held senior positions with Orion Expedition Cruises in California and Australia as well as St. Ives Travel (American Express and Virtuoso Agency) located in Sydney, Australia.

About Rocky Mountaineer

2015 marks the 25th Anniversary for Rocky Mountaineer and the company has a lot to celebrate. Since its inception in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has grown to be the largest privately owned luxury tourist train in the world and is considered by many as the only way to see the Canadian Rockies. In the past 25 years, the train has welcomed onboard over one and a half million guests from around the globe.

With over 45 vacation packages, five unique rail routes, and iconic destinations such as Seattle, WA, Vancouver and Whistler, BC, and the majestic Canadian Rockies in Alberta, there is a journey for anyone looking for a life changing experience. The world renowned train travels by daylight through the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada while guests relish in the breathtaking views of tumbling waterfalls, glacier-capped mountains, and wildlife of the regions. Rocky Mountaineer has received numerous international awards and accolades for service excellence, including eight World Travel Awards for both "World's Leading Travel Experience By Train" and "World's Leading Luxury Train." In 2013, it was also recognized as one of the world's "Dream Trips" by the prestigious Travel +Leisure magazine.

SOURCE Rocky Mountaineer

Media Contact: Cecilia Kim, Citizen Relations for Rocky Mountaineer, 604-647-6281, [email protected]; Shannon Kidd, Senior Manager, Global Communications, Rocky Mountaineer, 604-606-8421, [email protected]