Networks Name Former NEST Agency Owner Heather Di Pietro as Director of Business Development
OYSTER BAY, NY (October 8, 2025): Leading travel agency networks TRAVELSAVERS and NEST have added an industry veteran to their business development team to stay ahead of the growing demand for affiliation from agencies.
Heather Di Pietro has joined the networks as director of business development. In her position, Di Pietro nurtures relationships with agency prospects that meet TRAVELSAVERS and NEST’s high standards for affiliation. She showcases the unique advantages of the networks and invites worthy agencies to affiliate.
Di Pietro is an award-winning travel designer and industry expert with over two decades of experience creating memorable client vacations. She was formerly owner and CEO of TravelSalesGroup LLC, a luxury agency specializing in concierge, group and romance travel worldwide. Di Pietro was affiliated with TRAVELSAVERS and NEST for over 20 years, achieving Elite status for the last five years.
“Heather brings a unique perspective to her role as the former owner of a NEST affiliate,” said NEST Senior Vice President Wayne Spector. “She grew her agency to new heights of success by drawing on her gift for connecting people. Now she’ll forge bonds with potential affiliates and show them how we can help them reach their full potential with our personalized coaching, exclusive technology and lead-generating marketing programs.”
Di Pietro’s appointment comes as the networks experience rapid growth. Her hiring enables TRAVELSAVERS and NEST to liaise more effectively with interested prospects and onboard the finest candidates. TRAVELSAVERS and NEST have added 75 agencies in 2025, bringing in $258 million in preferred partner sales. This is on top of last year’s growth, when more than 100 agencies joined the networks with preferred partner sales of over $279 million.
Di Pietro has been honored throughout her travel career as well as featured in industry publications, speaking engagements, and professional development sessions. She is a recipient of the Black Pineapple Award from Antigua and Barbuda and multiple Global Piton Awards from St. Lucia. Di Pietro has served on advisory boards including ALG Vacations, the Inclusive Collection by Hyatt, and The Affluent Traveler Collection. As a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, she applies practices from that program as she attracts agencies to TRAVELSAVERS and NEST.
About TRAVELSAVERS
Founded in 1970, TRAVELSAVERS is an international marketing leader of more than 2,000 independently owned agencies in over 35 countries. Thanks to the buying power of $20 billion in annual sales, its more than 25,000 advisors are able to offer their clients inspirational travel experiences at the best value. With a global reputation for excellence, TRAVELSAVERS leisure and corporate agencies maximize sales and profits with cutting-edge products and services that cater to all needs. Through an exclusive protected territory system, strong supplier relationships, comprehensive marketing suite, innovative booking technology, specialized training and networking, and personalized business coaching, TRAVELSAVERS advisors are empowered to find, retain and delight clients. For more information, visit www.travelsavers.com.
About NEST
The Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel is the industry’s first and only marketing group exclusively for independent home-based travel agencies. The company empowers home-based advisors to achieve greater success financially, professionally and personally by championing best practices, solutions and opportunities. NEST helps home-based travel entrepreneurs build their business, keep their identity and maintain control. The network delivers what home-based advisors need to increase their competitive edge and profitability, including a high level of personalized support, award-winning marketing, preferred partner portfolio, education, exclusive networking and events, and innovative technology. NEST also helps suppliers reach the rapidly growing home-based distribution channel with training, motivation, offers and compensation. For more information, visit www.jointhenest.com.