Our story and our team In the spirit of Holbrook’s founding, our team is composed of lifelong learners and global adventurers who all share a love of travel. A significant portion of our team has a long tenure at Holbrook, a unique trait that translates into smooth communication, extensive knowledge, and deep relationships with our travel partners around the globe.
Andrea Holbrook Worked at Holbrook since 1993
CHRIS BENSLEY
PRESIDENT
The Holbrook Timeline 12
Worked at Holbrook since 2016
Andrea has been the president and CEO of Holbrook Travel since 1998. She also supports her mother’s work at Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve, a place that was her introduction to the hospitality and travel industry. Additionally she is a board member of the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, a nonprofit organization that connects communities with conservation through education and ecotourism. Andrea holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in Russian studies from Columbia University.
1971 Founder Giovanna Holbrook pioneers a journey to the Galápagos Islands aboard a retired Navy vessel, escorting a group of professors and naturalists.
VICE PRESIDENT OF PARTNERSHIPS AND MARKETING
late 1970s
1983
Holbrook opens operations in Patagonia; also begins organizing lepidoptera and birdwatching trips.
Dr. Juan Holbrook begins leading hikes on the Inca Trail.
A newcomer by Holbrook standards, Chris has over 25 years of experience with leading companies including Overseas Adventure Travel, Vantage Travel, and Paul Gauguin Cruises. He has developed partnerships with numerous organizations, including Smithsonian, Harvard, and Audubon. Chris earned his BA from Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from UCLA. He caught the travel bug at an early age on a family sabbatical to Europe and now has ventured to over 40 countries on seven continents.
1987 Holbrook opens operations in east Africa with Cornelia Holbrook, daughter of Juan and Giovanna, working in Kenya.
1974
1982
1985
1990
Holbrook Travel is officially founded by Giovanna and Juan Holbrook to design and run educational tours for professors and students in Gainesville, Florida.
In Costa Rica to assist with arranging an ornithological field study, Giovanna Holbrook came upon a tract of old growth forest for sale in Sarapiquí. She purchased it, and Selva Verde was born.
Holbrook headquarters constructed, in Gainesville.
Holbrook becomes a founding member of The International Ecotourism Society, a non-profit association committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit conservation and communities.
