Starting 1 March, Griffiths will be responsible for APT and Travelmarvel’s key accounts, building volume with “fledgling partners” and identifying new relationships with wholesalers.

APT said the creation of the national account manager role is “integral” to the company’s 2024 sales strategy.

Currently, 70% of APT and Travelmarvel’s business comes via agents. 

In addition to finding a replacement for Griffiths, APT and Travelmarvel are also looking for a new business development manager for northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland before Koral Lipton leaves the business at the end of next month. 

Lipton is taking up a role in the ocean cruise sector. 

Candidates with an interest in either role should send their CVs to ukrecruitment@aptouring.co.uk. 

Elsewhere, Classic Collection and Kuoni have both announced plans to bolster their sales teams to raise awareness among agents in the coming weeks. 

Brad Bennetts, APT and Travelmarvel’s head of sales and business development, said: “Robin has excelled across the board and is perfectly positioned to help us to drive our aggressive sales strategy forward.

“Whilst I am delighted to see Robin step up, I am very sad that we will be saying goodbye to Koral as our BDM in the north, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

“Koral has been a fun and positive member of the APT Family, and we wish her every luck for the future.”

Bennetts added: “We are actively recruiting for two new business development managers. It is an exciting time to be joining our business, especially considering the remarkable year and record-breaking passenger numbers that we had in 2023. 

“With new ships set to debut this year, more launches planned for the coming years, and with sustained investments in the trade, now is the perfect moment to join our thriving river cruise, small ship and touring business.”