AVANT GARDE – The DMC Experts

Our History

For over 15 years, we have proudly held the title of Latin America's foremost authorities on DMCs (Destination Management Companies). Our journey began in 2007, and ever since, we have set the gold standard in the market for DMC representation business.

Despite the long existence of several cutting-edge DMCs around the world, not so long ago, the tour itineraries offered in Latin America were still simple and devoid of charm, meaningful experiences and emotions. In 2007 we realized that the advancement of new technologies and the growth of international flights to far-away destinations would open up enormous opportunities for travelers from Latin America. These new opportunities would also require travel agents and MICE operators to offer elaborate and customized products to new and highly demanding audiences.

Avant Garde is the result of those opportunities and seventeen years of tireless work and research on the Latin American tourism market. We traveled the planet searching for destination management companies (DMCs) who understood our new scenario and were willing to explore new paths. We collected ideas and experiences, made friends, and unhurriedly created the most important network of international DMCs in Latin America, operating itineraries in more than 50 countries on four continents.

The construction of our DMC network was based on the quality of our partners’ services, their financial strength, their ability to adapt to the taste of our local travelers, and their sustainable posture while developing tourism. Our foreign DMC partners are our family. They are responsible for performing the most complex tasks requested by our network of agencies and operators in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. They have operated more than 1000 incentive travel groups in a decade from our collaboration, adding to countless leisure operations for groups and individual travelers. In a highly focused online market, Avant Garde has been proposing to attract travelers through personalized services, customized experiences, and the intensive training of travel distributors.

 

Values

Doing business with ethics, always. That's what you can expect from us!

We help travel companies develop business with DMCs on four continents, delivering superior results with the highest level of quality and total integrity, always aligned with our 6 basic working principles:

  • We promote services exclusively to the B2B segment (from business to business). We do not compete with agencies and operators for their direct business, but we do contribute to their growth in sales and profitability.
  • We do not represent or act on behalf of competing companies on the same geographical area or destination. Every DMC is unique in its territory and deserves exclusive attention, dedication and resources to succeed.
  • Our DMC customers have the right to previously approve the mechanics and costs of any marketing and promotional activity.
  • The brand, work philosophy and strategy of our DMC customers must be respected and presented to the market with total integrity and transparency.
  • Our professionals are bilingual, highly educated and have impeccable market reputation, being fully capable of deploying all activities planned.
  • We don’t make reservations nor receive payments for services reserved by agents with our DMCs.

The Team

Sidney Alonso

Leader

With more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Sidney is widely known as a leader and passionate advocate of tourism. With a degree on Foreign Affairs, he held several management positions in large multinationals and lead complex travel operations negotiations in Brazil and Latin America.

Jeverson Zanini

Managing Partner

With a degree in Tourism and an MBA in Marketing, Jeverson has been an integral part of Avant Garde since 2012, spearheading all marketing and promotional activities. He takes pride in nurturing strong relationships with key leisure accounts in Brazil and plays a crucial role in our MICE operations.

Rosina Gomes de Freitas

Business Development Manager - Argentina & Uruguay

With an impressive track record of over 15 years in the field, Rosina leads Avant Garde’s daily marketing and promotional efforts in Argentina and Uruguay. Her extensive experience and expertise are invaluable in ensuring our presence and success in these vibrant markets.

Ofelia Barrios

Business Development Manager - Mexico

With a wealth of experience in the Mexican hospitality industry and destination marketing segments, Since 2014 Ofelia is the driving force behind Avant Garde’s daily activities in Mexico. Her expertise spans both leisure and MICE segments, ensuring our continuous growth and success in this dynamic market.

Isabel Fernández

Business Development Manager - Colombia

With experience in the events and marketing industry, Isabel is our dedicated representative in Colombia. Based in Bogotá, she leads Avant Garde’s activities in the market, catering to both leisure and MICE segments. Isabel’s profound knowledge and passion for the industry drive our success in Colombia.

Mariana Mathias

Business Development Manager - Brazil

With extensive experience in the luxury travel and communications sector, Mariana is responsible for strengthening and developing business relationships with partner agencies and operators in the leisure market.

CRISTINA AKEMI

Business Development Manager - CHILE & LATAM

Based in Santiago, Cristina brings an extensive knowledge of Asian destinations and deep experience in the luxury travel segment to Avant Garde. She is responsible for the Chilean market and provides remote support to other LATAM countries, including Peru, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. With Cristina’s expertise and dedication, Avant Garde is bridging the gap between Latin America and our amazing destinations.

Becky Cornejo

Business Development Manager - Mexico

With an impressive track record of over 30 years in the MICE industry, Becky takes the lead in managing our DMCs’ relationship with key Mexican MICE clients. Hailing from Monterrey, her extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry make her an invaluable asset to Avant Garde.

THAIS VENÂNCIO

Financial Assistant

With a degree in tourism and a wealth of experience in management routines and financial aspects, Thais plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our business. Her expertise and attention to detail make her an invaluable asset in keeping our administrative routine afloat.

GUILHERME ALVES

Commercial Assistant

Currently pursuing his degree in business management, Guilherme is an integral part of our team, providing valuable support in various sales activities. From CRM updates to business follow-ups and generating reports, Guilherme’s dedication and attention to detail ensure that our sales operations run efficiently. As Guilherme hones his skills and knowledge, we look forward to witnessing his growth and contributions to our continued success.

Victor Zuchetti

Marketing Manager

With a deep knowledge of products, destinations, and a background in marketing and advertising, Victor directly supports our team in creating sales tools, events, and marketing activations. He is also responsible for communication and social media strategies.

Helen Beck

Office Assistant

Administration student, Helen is responsible for the management of our office and the administrative activities of the company.

Matheus Trevisani

Graphic Designer

With a background in Design, Matheus is responsible for creating communication materials, both physical and digital, for the company.

Testimonials

Check out what those who work with us say

""A very professional team, perfectly connected in all 3 lands (Brazil / Argentina / Mexico), communicating the trends, proactive, and always bringing the crème de la crème of hosted buyers in all 3 fares (Imex Europe / Imex Vegas / Ibtm Barcelona)""

Aristides Tsaldaris / President & CEO / Horizon DMC Greece

""Connected, respected and very knowledgeable about the market needs and trends. Facilitating a great partnership with us as DMCs to the clients""

Yolanda Woeke-Jacobs / Sales Director / Dragonfly Africa

""Serving the DMCs was the main concern and focus of many representatives we met in the past. Avant Garde is definitely taking the destinations representations field to another era as, in addition to the norm, they go out of their way to analyze the client's needs and update the DMCs accordingly to ensure that the delivery is outstanding""

Karim ElMinabawy / President / Emeco Travel

""Avant Garde is a key partner to us in several countries through South America and since the beginning of our partnership they are definitely very worthy helping us to boost the business flow. First of all, Avant Garde team knows well the key outbound partners, filtered by segment (MICE, Luxury, Tour operations leisure, Thematic), on other side they're also aware about the good business practices and behaviors on the sales side (DMC). Secondly, they're extremely professional in everything they do, not only they are keen about client's specific needs but also during all the sales processes on the sales side. Finally they have a strong aim for excellence in everything they do, furthermore seeking some kind of creativity. Briefly, not only they really deliver what they promise but they also deliver differently with high standards""

Ricardo Ferreira / CEO / Osiris Travel

Careers

We are always looking for talents who want to be part of a vibrant, ambitious and committed team.

To apply for a position in our team, send resume to careers@agbrands.com.br