DeMarinis stepping down from TravelBrands, RLV, Merit Travel; Tanious taking the helm

TORONTO — Long-time travel industry executive and entrepreneur Frank DeMarinis is stepping down from his leadership role at TravelBrands, Red Label Vacations, and Merit Travel.

Taking his place at the helm will be current Chief Operating Officer, Nathalie Tanious. The change takes effect July 21.

TravelBrands parent company Red Label Vacations Inc. was acquired by a subsidiary of Japan-based H.I.S. Co., Ltd. (H.I.S.) in 2019.

In a statement, HIS Japan on behalf of TravelBrands, Red Label Vacations, and Merit Travel, said: “As all of you know, Frank has been an important figure in the Canadian travel industry for many years, and we are grateful for his contributions, leadership and dedication to our company during his time with us."

The statement added: “Nathalie’s outstanding leadership capabilities, in-depth industry knowledge, and commitment to our shared vision make her the perfect choice to lead us into the next phase of growth and innovation. We want to assure you that this transition will be seamless, and we remain fully committed to providing you with the exceptional service and support you have come to expect from us. We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead and to further strengthening our relationship with you under Nathalie’s capable leadership."

DeMarinis stayed on as TravelBrands President and CEO after the acquisition of Red Label Vacations Inc. Joe and Enzo DeMarinis stepped away from the company that same year.

The DeMarinis brothers got into the travel business in 1983 with Bel Air Travel. In 2001 Bel Air was bought out and brought into the fold of what would later become Thomas Cook Canada.

The DeMarinis brothers returned in 2004 with Redtag.ca. Their 2013 deal, when they acquired the North American segment of Thomas Cook Group plc for $5.3 million – after Airtours PLC (which later merged with Thomas Cook) paid a reported $79.8 million in 1995 for Sunquest alone – also included their very own Bel Air Travel / belairtravel.com, later folded into Redtag.ca. In 2016 Red Label added to its holdings with itravel2000.