Parton will be responsible for sales strategy for both Cosmos Tours & Cruises and river cruise operator Avalon Waterways, as head of sales. She will also oversee relationships with agents and third-party distributors.

She previously worked for Thomas Cook and Carnival UK, and is reunited with former MSC executive director Giles Hawke, who is now chief executive of Cosmos Tours.

Parton, who spent two years at MSC, will take up her new role in early September.

Hawke said: “Janet is highly respected in the UK travel trade and embodies the approach we take with our trade partners to be supportive, friendly and business focused.
 
“As we look to broaden our product portfolio and develop our agency relationships, Janet will be instrumental in helping agents grow their touring and cruise business with us.”

MSC has restructured its sales team following Parton’s departure, with Royal Caribbean International’s head of sales Steve Williams due to join the company later this year in the newly created role of director of sales.