Scott Knutson, CTC, Vice President of Sales for Costa Cruise Lines—North America, announced today that April Freeman has been named Business Development Manager for our Southwest Florida region. Most recently, Freeman was Business Development Manager for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, covering Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.  In her new position, she will report directly to Bill Dwyer, CTC, Director of Field Sales for Costa North America.

While with Sandals and Beaches over the last six years, Freeman was responsible for overall sales efforts for all travel agency accounts in her three-state territory. Included in her responsibilities was training implementation, creating effective targeted marketing plans and assisting travel agents with all account needs. She was also a workshop trainer for Sandals and Beaches. Freeman was named “Southeast Sales Manager of the Year” by Sandals and Beaches in 2004.

“I know the travel agent community in the Tampa area very well from my years covering the territory and am certain they are going to enjoy working with April given her enthusiasm for the industry and her dedication to helping travel agents grow their business,” said Knutson. “We’re thrilled to have her join the Costa team and help expand this important region for us in Florida.”

Freeman graduated with honors from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science in International Business and was also captain of the women’s soccer team. She recently relocated from Nashville to Tampa, where she will be based in her new position.