Meet the Team
Diana Marshall - Managing Director
Diana first developed a passion for travel to Latin America more than thirty years ago after an initial voyage of discovery, travelling south overland from Montreal to Rio de Janeiro! This initial journey sparked her subsequent interest in all things Latino particularly the language and culture. Having spent time in Spain to learn the language, she worked as the Latin American Marketing Executive for the British Tourist Authority in the early 80's promoting tourism to the UK throughout Latin America. With her knowledge of these countries and enthusiasm for what they offer, she decided that the British consumer needed easier access to this incredible part of the world, and SASPO was born! Diana was also instrumental in the founding of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) which she went on to Chair for a two year period.
Ursula Vallance - Commercial Director
Ursula's travel industry experience began over thirty years ago within the business travel sector. However, the introduction to Latin America was a happy chance encounter some years later. Once bewitched by the potent spell that is Latin America, the magic never has waned! She has been involved with SASPO Tourism Services since its inception in 1988 and has also served time in office with the Latin American Travel Association (LATA).
Mario Ekkeshis - Marketing & Sales Manager
Mario recently joined SASPO after years of travel, study, travel, work and yet more travel! Having set foot on almost all corners of the world, Mario insists that to date, his favourite journey was a six week trip back-packing around Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in 2008. This trip ignited his love for Latin America and he remains extremely passionate about its landscape, its culture and its people. Mario spends his days planning exciting itineraries to the region as if he were planning his own trip, whilst also dreaming up his next Latin American adventure!