Grant joins the cruise and escorted tour operator with 10 years of travel industry experience, with her last four years spent as branch manager at Kuoni’s Newcastle store.

During her time with Kuoni, Grant has worked on improving inclusivity within the sector both for staff and customers as a founder member of Kuoni’s LGBT Expert scheme.

This summer she was also named a Travel Pride Champion, as part of TTG’s TTG LGBT initiative.

In her new role Grant will report into APT national sales manager Jessica Shelton-Agar and, having undertaken initial training at APT’s Amersham head office, will roll out APT’s retail strategy in her new region with immediate effect.

Paul Melinis, APT managing director UK and Europe, said: “We are delighted to welcome Carrie to the APT family. The UK travel trade is central to our business success and we are dedicated to providing them with the very best team and service possible.

“With a great reputation, incredible product knowledge and wide-reaching contacts across the northern region Carrie will be an asset to our already highly regarded sales team.”

Grant added: “I am so excited to be joining the APT team. Having sat in the agent’s chair, I know from first-hand experience that it’s a company with a real passion for delivering an exceptional customer experience across its unique touring and river cruise program.

“I’m looking forward to meeting our retail partners from across the region and introducing them to the exciting partnership and product opportunities we offer.”