Team

Don’t let the crisp smile fool you, Mr Tayto takes his job very seriously.

As Forward Travel’s Chief Adventure Officer, he’s responsible for quality-controlling the world’s greatest destinations, sampling local delicacies (where potatoes permit), and ensuring every journey meets his exceptionally high standards.

Like Forward Travel founder David Smyth, Mr Tayto proudly hails from Ireland. Mr Tayto insists on flying the Irish flag wherever he goes, proving that a little Irish charm opens doors in every corner of the globe.

His passport is bursting with stamps. He’s watched the sunrise over the Himalayas, cruised through the Amazon, stood eye-to-eye with gorillas in Uganda, wandered ancient Silk Road cities, crossed African deserts, and somehow always manages to find the best café in town.

He’s not just a mascot, he’s a seasoned traveller, unofficial photographer, expert taste tester, occasional negotiator with curious wildlife, and full-time collector of unforgettable moments.

If you spot Mr Tayto in our photos, there’s a good chance something extraordinary is happening. Follow his adventures as he continues his mission to prove that even a humble Irish potato can become a global explorer.

Based in our Cairo office, Janane is our Bespoke Experience Curator.

Born and raised in Egypt, Janane has an intimate understanding of her homeland and is passionate about showcasing the country beyond its iconic landmarks. She loves creating journeys that foster genuine connections with local communities and uncover the traditions, stories, and hidden corners that reveal the true heart and soul of Egypt.

Believing that the smallest details often create the most memorable moments, Janane takes great pride in ensuring every itinerary feels personal, seamless, and unforgettable.

Outside of work, she is an avid cook, has a passion for dance, currently specialising in traditional Egyptian folklore; and enjoys the discipline and challenge of mixed martial arts, interests that reflect her deep appreciation for Egypt’s rich culture and her adventurous spirit.

Based in our Cairo office, Aly is our Egypt Destination Expert.

Born and raised in Egypt, Aly knows his country far beyond the guidebooks. His passion for travel, combined with his deep local knowledge, allows him to craft authentic journeys that reveal both Egypt’s world-famous treasures and its lesser-known gems.

For Aly, travel is about introducing visitors to the Egypt he knows and loves, from its extraordinary history and breathtaking landscapes to the people, traditions, and everyday moments that bring the country to life.

When he’s not designing unforgettable experiences, you’ll find him in the boxing gym, exploring on horseback every chance he gets, or unwinding with his guitar, interests that reflect his adventurous spirit and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

Based in Uganda, Margaret is our Head of Reservations and Operations and one of the people working behind the scenes to make sure every journey runs smoothly.

With a bachelor’s degree in social work and Community Development and more than a decade of experience in tourism, Margaret has an in-depth knowledge of Uganda’s wildlife, nature and culture. She has also travelled extensively throughout East Africa, giving her first-hand experience of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda.

From coordinating accommodation and meals to arranging activities and managing the many details behind your safari, Margaret combines her industry knowledge, organisational skills and passion for East Africa to help create unforgettable journeys.

Based in Uganda, Joseph is one of our experienced Tour Guides with more than 16 years in the tourism industry.

A graduate of Katwe Tourism Institute, Joseph is fully registered with the Uganda Tourism Board and regularly updates his skills through refresher courses, defensive driving training and First Aid certification. He has extensive experience guiding journeys across Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, sharing his passion for wildlife, culture, history and the natural world.

Whether travelling independently, on honeymoon or as part of a group, Joseph brings a professional, friendly and engaging approach to every journey. With Joseph, you arrive as a guest and leave as a friend.

Based in Peru, María de los Ángeles is part of our Reservations Team, helping ensure every journey is carefully organised from the very beginning.

With a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and experience in the travel industry since 2019, María brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a genuine passion for creating smooth travel experiences. She works behind the scenes to manage reservations and ensure every detail is handled with care.

Outside of work, María enjoys music, movies and spending time with her family.

Based in Peru, Livorio is one of our Tour Guides, bringing a deep passion for his country to every journey he leads.

With a degree in Tourism, Livorio is dedicated to creating authentic and immersive experiences that connect travellers with Peru’s culture, people and landscapes. His practical approach and genuine enthusiasm help bring the country to life, ensuring every journey is both meaningful and memorable.

When not guiding, Livorio enjoys making music and playing football.

Based in Argentina, Verónica is our Tailor-made travel Supervisor, helping ensure every journey is planned with care, precision and attention to detail.

With 24 years, including 17 years supervising in the travel industry, Verónica brings extensive experience and a genuine passion for creating exceptional travel experiences. Her knowledge of Argentina is extensive, although choosing a favourite destination is almost impossible. Iguazú Falls and the glaciers of El Calafate are two places that never fail to take her breath away.

With her dedication and experience, Verónica plays an important role in creating unforgettable journeys across Argentina.

Based in Argentina, Juan José is one of the teams Business Development Account Managers.

Juan José has been part of the industry for 30 years, building experience across almost every area of the company. From starting in Reservations to working across operational and commercial roles, he has spent much of his career developing key markets.

A passionate advocate for Argentina’s natural wonders, Juan José loves exploring the outdoors through mountain biking, road cycling, trekking and scuba diving. His many road trips across the country have given him first-hand knowledge of Argentina’s extraordinary landscapes and hidden gems, knowledge he enjoys sharing with travel partners and visitors from around the world.

Based in Georgia, Nana is our Local Expert, combining her deep knowledge of the country with a genuine passion for creating memorable journeys.

With a keen eye for detail, Nana carefully curates each experience to ensure every element of a client’s journey is thoughtfully planned and tailored. She also takes great pride in making sure travellers feel comfortable, well looked after and happy as they explore her homeland.

Nana loves the outdoors and is passionate about sharing Georgia’s mountains, landscapes and hidden corners. Her enthusiasm for her country is contagious, and she is dedicated to ensuring every traveller leaves with unforgettable memories of Georgia.

Based in Nicaragua, Katherinne is our Local Expert, helping create tailor-made journeys that showcase the very best of her country.

A true lover of nature and the outdoors, Katherinne brings her passion for Nicaragua to every journey she helps create. With a keen eye for detail, she carefully adapts each itinerary to suit our clients’ interests, preferences and travel style, ensuring every element of the experience is thoughtfully considered.

From Nicaragua’s incredible landscapes and wildlife to its culture and hidden corners, Katherinne is passionate about helping travellers discover her country in a personal and meaningful way. Her goal is to create memorable journeys that leave travellers with a genuine connection to Nicaragua.

Based in Panama, Dexcy is our Local Expert, helping create tailor-made journeys that showcase the very best of her country.

A true travel enthusiast, Dexcy is passionate about sharing Panama and creating meaningful experiences for every traveller. With a keen eye for detail, she carefully designs each itinerary around her clients’ wishes, interests and travel style, ensuring every element of the journey is thoughtfully considered.

Her passion, dedication and love for travel shine through in the experiences she creates, helping travellers discover Panama in a personal and memorable way.

With more than 16 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, Eddie is one of those guides who leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. He has a natural ability to make guests feel welcome, at ease, and genuinely excited to discover Malawi. His extensive knowledge of the country, passion for its wildlife and landscapes, and warm sense of humour ensure every journey is both engaging and memorable.

Eddie takes enormous pride in showcasing the very best of Malawi, helping travellers experience not only its extraordinary scenery and wildlife but also the warmth, resilience, and rich culture of its people. We regularly receive glowing feedback from guests, and many returning travellers specifically request Eddie as their guide, a true testament to the meaningful connections he builds along the way.

Away from guiding, Eddie has a lifelong passion for understanding how things work. A qualified auto electrician with extensive hands-on experience, he enjoys restoring and repairing vehicles whenever he can. He is also a passionate music lover, interests that reflect his naturally curious, practical, and easy-going personality.

Samuel is one of the friendly faces working behind the scenes, helping ensure every Forward Travel client’s journey comes together seamlessly. Joining the team as an intern in 2022, he quickly became an integral part of the Reservations team through his dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and positive attitude.

Working closely with our Head of Reservations, Samuel coordinates accommodation, flights, and transfers, ensuring every aspect of each itinerary is carefully arranged. His willingness to learn, dependable nature, and commitment to getting things right make him a valued member of the team, helping to ensure every traveller’s experience begins smoothly, long before they arrive in Africa.

Outside of work, Samuel enjoys cycling, exploring nature on long walks, listening to music, and watching documentaries, particularly those focused on wildlife, the natural world, and aviation. His curiosity and appreciation for travel and the outdoors are reflected in the care and enthusiasm he brings to every journey he helps create.

Edison is one of our superstar guides and someone who believes that every traveller is special. With more than 22 years of experience working in the industry, he has been part helping create unforgettable experiences for travellers exploring Ecuador. His passion for his country, warm personality, and genuine desire to make every journey unique shine through in everything he does. Edison is always ready to share his knowledge and passion for Ecuador, while going the extra mile to ensure that every traveller feels comfortable, supported, and able to make the most of their time in this remarkable country.

Away from guiding, Edison has a real passion for football and loves watching soccer. He also spent around 12 years as a sports commentator, bringing another fascinating dimension to his experience and personality.

Alexandra is one of the friendly faces working behind the scenes to help make every journey come together seamlessly. She takes care of the many important details that go into preparing each trip, helping ensure that everything is carefully arranged and ready before you arrive. Her attention to detail, dedication, and commitment to making the travel experience as smooth as possible mean that guests can relax and enjoy every moment of their journey, knowing that the details are being taken care of behind the scenes.

Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys travelling whenever she can and loves going out dancing, making the most of her free time and discovering new experiences along the way.

Shaheemah is our resident creative mastermind, constantly searching out hidden gems and crafting extraordinary travel experiences designed to delight travellers at every turn. Her creativity, curiosity, and passion for discovery are at the heart of the work she does, helping uncover the experiences and places that make a journey truly memorable. From walking and hiking to scouting out exceptional restaurants and culinary experiences, Shaheemah is always looking for new ways to experience and share the very best of South Africa.

Away from work, Shaheemah enjoys cooking and baking, spending time in her garden, and volunteering in community outreach programmes. She also loves nothing more than being a source of entertainment for her grandchildren.

Ryan is warm, witty, and deeply passionate about sharing the world around her. As a tour guide, she has a wonderful ability to bring destinations to life while making travellers feel like lifelong friends from the very beginning. Naturally curious and always eager to learn, Ryan loves meeting people from different backgrounds, discovering new cultures, and collecting experiences rather than things. Her enthusiasm, storytelling skills, and genuine love of connecting with people make every journey with her a memorable one.

An adventure enthusiast at heart, Ryan enjoys anything that gets the adrenaline going, from hiking and exploring new places to discovering different cultures. She also loves dancing, music, learning languages, storytelling, and public speaking. Away from guiding, she enjoys community outreach and volunteering, coordinating events and projects that bring people together, and exploring her growing interest in content creation. Always looking for her next challenge, Ryan hopes one day to become fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, or French.

Sharmila is passionate about sharing the Sri Lanka that exists beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. With a deep love for her country and its people, she is dedicated to creating meaningful cultural experiences that allow travellers to connect with local communities, discover authentic traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit. For Sharmila, travel is about much more than simply seeing the sights, it is about creating genuine connections and sharing experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

A strong believer in giving back to the communities that make Sri Lanka so special, Sharmila is passionate about ensuring that tourism creates positive and lasting benefits for local people. Her commitment to responsible travel, combined with her enthusiasm, knowledge, and love for her homeland, helps create journeys that offer a more meaningful and authentic experience of Sri Lanka.

Gabriel is passionate about ensuring every traveller feels supported from the moment they arrive. With a background in Tourism and Hospitality and extensive experience across the travel industry, he understands that the smallest details can make the biggest difference to a journey.

Working closely with local guides, drivers and operations teams, Gabriel helps ensure every trip runs seamlessly, while providing reassurance, practical support and solutions whenever they are needed. His calm, approachable nature and commitment to exceptional service allow our travellers to explore with complete confidence.

For Gabriel, great travel is about more than perfectly planned itineraries. It’s about creating memorable experiences through genuine care, personal attention and making sure every guest feels welcomed, valued and looked after throughout their journey.

Based in Puerto Varas, Ingrid has spent more than three decades introducing travellers to the spectacular landscapes, fascinating history and vibrant culture of Chile. With extensive experience throughout the Lake District and Patagonia, she is passionate about helping visitors discover the country’s natural beauty beyond the obvious highlights.

A certified professional tour guide with training in wilderness first aid, sustainability and outdoor safety, Ingrid combines exceptional local knowledge with a genuine commitment to ensuring every traveller feels safe, comfortable and well cared for throughout their journey.

For Ingrid, guiding is about creating meaningful connections between people and place. Whether sharing stories of a remote village, spotting native wildlife or introducing travellers to hidden local gems, her warmth, enthusiasm and deep love for her homeland ensure every journey is both memorable and authentic.

Growing up in the rice-growing region of Berbice, Carlos has spent a lifetime immersed in Guyana’s extraordinary birdlife. His fascination with birds began in childhood, rescuing and caring for injured wildlife, and eventually led him to co-found the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society (GATBS), contributing to the documentation and conservation of the country’s remarkable avian diversity.

With decades of guiding experience, Carlos has become one of Guyana’s most respected birding specialists. Whether exploring the forests surrounding Kaieteur Falls or the wetlands of the Georgetown Botanical Gardens, his remarkable ability to locate and identify even the most elusive species makes every excursion rewarding.

Friendly, patient, and immensely knowledgeable, Carlos combines a genuine passion for conservation with an infectious enthusiasm for sharing Guyana’s natural wonders. Travelling with him offers not only exceptional birdwatching opportunities but also a deeper appreciation of the country’s unique ecosystems and wildlife.

Born and raised in the Indigenous village of Paruima, Charro is a proud descendant of the Arekuna Nation and has a deep connection to the people, cultures, and landscapes of Guyana. From an early age, visits to relatives working in the tourism industry in neighbouring Venezuela and Brazil inspired a passion for travel and discovering the diverse cultures of the Guiana Shield.

Before joining the travel industry, Charro spent eight years as a teacher in her local community, developing a strong appreciation for sharing knowledge and creating meaningful connections with others. She now brings those same qualities to her role as Tour Coordinator, ensuring every journey is thoughtfully planned and expertly managed.

Passionate about showcasing the best of Guyana and its neighbouring countries, Charro is committed to creating seamless travel experiences while helping visitors gain a genuine understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage, extraordinary wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty.

A proud Yerevan local, Anna is our Armenia expert, bringing more than a decade of experience in the country’s inbound tourism industry. Since 2014, she has been designing and managing journeys throughout Armenia, combining detailed local knowledge with a genuine passion for sharing the country she calls home.

Anna believes Armenia is best understood by looking beyond its famous monasteries, mountain landscapes and historic sites. Through the itineraries she creates, she introduces travellers to the people, stories, traditions and everyday experiences that reveal the country’s character, while helping guests develop a deeper understanding of Armenian culture and history.

Her curiosity for the world extends well beyond Armenia. Outside of work, Anna loves travelling with her husband and daughter, discovering new destinations and learning about different cultures together. Those experiences as a traveller herself bring another perspective to her work, helping her understand what transforms a well-planned itinerary into a genuinely memorable journey.

Anfal is our Iraq specialist, bringing valuable local knowledge, experience and a genuine passion for sharing her country with our travellers. Proud of Iraq’s extraordinary history, rich culture and welcoming people, she loves introducing guests to a side of the country that is often very different from the one they may have imagined before arriving.

For Anfal, travel through Iraq is not simply about visiting its ancient sites and historic cities. It is also about meeting local people, experiencing everyday life and discovering the warmth and hospitality that are such an important part of Iraqi culture.

Behind the scenes, Anfal coordinates the many practical details that make each journey possible, from visa arrangements and accommodation to transportation and on-the-ground logistics. Her attention to detail, destination knowledge and understanding of local conditions help ensure our travellers are well prepared, supported and able to experience Iraq with confidence from the moment they arrive until departure.

Sajjad is one of our on-the-ground experts, working directly with our travellers and accompanying them throughout their journeys. Combining his experience as both a tour guide and tour operator, he brings each destination to life through local knowledge, personal insights and a genuine understanding of the places and communities our guests encounter.

For Sajjad, guiding is about far more than visiting the major sights. He enjoys introducing travellers to the stories, traditions and everyday life that provide a deeper understanding of a destination, while creating opportunities for genuine interaction with local people.

Behind the scenes, Sajjad also manages the practical day-to-day details that keep a journey running smoothly, adapting when necessary and ensuring our travellers always feel supported. His combination of operational experience and personal approach allows guests to relax, explore with confidence and experience a destination beyond the surface, discovering its culture, character and people along the

Anna is passionate about sharing the Uzbekistan she knows and loves with our travellers. While the legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva may be what first draws many visitors to the country, Anna believes the real character of Uzbekistan is discovered in the stories, traditions and everyday encounters that happen along the way.

With her deep local knowledge and personal connection to the country, Anna takes travellers beyond the famous monuments to discover a more personal side of Uzbekistan. From centuries-old traditions and local craftsmanship to family life, regional cuisine and conversations with the people who call the country home, she helps create experiences that offer a genuine understanding of Uzbek culture.

For Anna, guiding is about more than showing people the sights. It is an opportunity to share the history, hospitality and warmth of her country, creating meaningful connections and memories that travellers take home with them.

Asya is one of the driving forces behind the scenes, turning thoughtfully designed itineraries into seamless travel experiences. With a strong eye for detail and a practical understanding of what it takes to bring a journey together, she helps ensure every element is carefully coordinated before our travellers arrive.

Working closely with our local teams, guides, hotels and transport providers, Asya manages the many moving parts that can make the difference between a good itinerary and a great travel experience. From confirming arrangements and coordinating logistics to responding when plans need to change, she helps keep each journey running smoothly.

For Asya, the work is about more than simply organising travel. It’s about creating the foundations that allow our guests to relax and immerse themselves in the destination. Her organisation, attention to detail and commitment behind the scenes help transform our ideas on paper into memorable journeys on the ground.