Luxury travel agency Lightfoot Travel is excited to welcome its new Head of the Americas & Antarctica, Olie Lever, to Singapore this August. The new hire highlights Lightfoot's efforts to establish themselves as leaders in the travel market to both the Americas and the polar ice caps.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in interest for Latin America across our offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai,” says Lightfoot Founder, Simon Cameron. “The recent World Cup in Brazil and the upcoming Olympics has really put the continent in the spotlight, and it's now far more accessible in people's minds as a holiday destination. While the polar ice caps are still very much up and coming, there is definitely demand as people look for alternative holiday ideas.”

Lever brings with him almost a decade of experience in the travel industry. He spent his gap year on an extensive trip around Latin America, and a subsequent nine years post-university working for two leading UK tailor-made tour operators. He has also undertaken many familiarisation trips to the continent culminating in an Antarctic voyage in 2013 – an amazing journey that Lever himself admits will be very hard to beat!

“I have been travelling to Latin America for almost 15 years, and in that time there has been a huge growth in visitor numbers with the general infrastructure and properties/experiences on offer improving markedly, particularly in the last 5-10 years,” says Lever. “Latin America is still the 'next' continent to visit on many travellers' wish lists, having already conquered Africa and Asia, and I have certainly seen heightened interest thanks in part to the increase in comfort levels now on offer.”

Over the past few months Lightfoot Travel has greatly expanded its product offering throughout Latin America and Antarctica, building up an extensive portfolio of handpicked properties and polar vessels.

“Latin America and Antarctica offer incredible diversity, perhaps more so than any other region. So when planning your trip with a travel agent, first-hand knowledge of the region's properties and experiences is essential to tailor the perfect holiday,” explains Lever. “Lightfoot are unique to the Asia region, offering this unrivalled knowledge of Latin America and Antarctica to our client base.”

Lever's area of expertise includes Antarctica, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands, Peru and Uruguay, complementing Lightfoot's existing proficiency in Central and North America.He will handle all clients travelling to the region from Lightfoot's Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai offices.  

Lightfoot Travel is planning a series of press trips in 2015 to various destinations around Latin America. Interested publications please contact nikki@lightfoottravel.com  for more information and for general press enquiries.

Please check out our diverse range of Latin America products HERE and Antarctica HERE.