Former Celebrity Cruises sales boss joins TTNG in newly-created cruise director role
Former Celebrity Cruises sales director EMEA John Wilson has joined the Travel Network Group (TTNG) in the newly-created position of cruise director. In his new role, Wilson will focus on developing cruise sales across the group’s members, while focusing on growing the market presence of its Cruise Club. An industry veteran with almost 30 years of experience, Wilson has held leadership roles at a variety of travel businesses including head of cruise at Virgin Holidays and head of direct and digital at Royal Caribbean. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for TTNG, as the group is heavily investing in the cruise market to deliver added value to members.
Travelsphere and Just You boost trade team with double appointment
Travelsphere and Just You have boosted the trade team with a double appointment, hiring Beverley Philpotts as key account manager for the Midlands and promoting holiday advisor Alan Jones to business development manager. Philpotts, an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, will start on 2 June and will be tasked with developing relationships with travel agents in her catchment area. Meanwhile, Jones will start immediately and will focus on supporting agent partners through training and events. Both will report to head of trade sales Rachel Mould. “The appointments of Beverley and Alan demonstrate our commitment to growing our presence with the trade, as we seek to strengthen partnerships and drive deeper engagement,” trade sales director Tom Morgan. “The demand for escorted touring is greater than ever before and with a stronger trade team and the benefits that will provide, we can maximise the opportunities for growth.”
Former ITTN BDM Carrie Day joins Riviera as new Ireland country manager
Former ITTN business development manager Carrie Day has joined Riviera Travel as its new Ireland country manager. Day’s appointment comes at an important time for the tour operator, which has rapidly expanded into the Irish market. “Her track record speaks for itself — she knows the market inside out, has built strong relationships across the trade, and brings incredible energy and passion to everything she does,” said head of trade partnerships Vicky Billing. “Carrie is exactly the right person to help us strengthen our presence, expand our reach, and enhance our partnerships across Ireland.” Prior to joining Riviera, Day has held a variety of roles in the travel industry, including partnership growth manager at Intrepid Travel and travel consultant at Marble City Travel and Flight Centre Canada.
Hurtigruten promotes Iain Powell to chief commercial officer
Hurtigruten has promoted managing director for the Nordics, UK and emerging markets Iain Powell to chief commercial officer, effective immediately. In his new role, Powell will lead the cruise line’s global commercial strategy, strengthen its market position while driving further growth to create greater value for guests and partners. “There’s strong demand from people wanting to experience Norway, and we are fortunate to have a truly unique product – world-class journeys through spectacular nature,” Powell said. “We are very well placed to capitalise on this demand, and we see a significant opportunity for growth.” Powell started at the company in March 2024 as vice-president of sales and marketing for the UK and emerging market before being promoted to managing director in December. Prior to joining Hurtigruten, he has held roles at Saga, Carnival UK and Tui.
APT and Travelmarvel appoints new BDM for southern England
APT and Travelmarvel has appointed Jamie Rudland as its new business development manager for southern England, further strengthening the touring and cruise operator’s dedicated sales team. Starting on 27 May, Rudland will be tasked with supporting retail and independent agents throughout the region. “His deep understanding of both the cruise and touring landscapes, combined with his agent-first approach, makes him a fantastic addition to our growing sales force,” head of sales and business development Brad Bennetts said. “With significant investments into our fleet and product portfolio, Jamie’s expertise will be invaluable in helping our partners in the south maximise their sales potential and discover the breadth of what APT & Travelmarvel has to offer.” Prior to joining APT and Travelmarvel, Rudland worked at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Wendy Wu Tours and The Adventure People.
Abta head of education receives royal recognition
Abta head of education and career development Vicki Wolf has received royal recognition for her contribution in the field of education and skills. Wolf, who has been leading Abta’s education and professional development division for almost 15 years, was invited on 14 May to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. “It was an absolute honour to be invited to attend the Royal Garden Party to celebrate those working in education and skills,” Wolf commented. “Many people who I’ve worked with over the years were also in attendance, so it was wonderful for us to enjoy the occasion together.” In recent years, Wolf has fought hard for the future of travel education and has become an integral part of Abta’s Tourism Industry Working Skills Group – a group of industry and education experts established following the government’s decision to defund post-16 travel and tourism qualifications.
Former Gold Medal trade partnership executive joins JTA Travel
Former Gold Medal Travel trade partnership executive Samantha Lynch has joined JTA Travel Group as its newest regional sales manager for the Midlands, south Wales and the south west region. Lynch’s appointment comes as part of JTA Travel Group’s investment to strengthen its trade ties. In her new role, Lynch will work closely with agents, raising awareness of JTA Travel Group and its product offering. “I’m excited to apply my experience and use the relationships I’ve developed over the years to contribute to the company’s continued success,” she commented. Prior to joining JTA Travel Group, Lynch has worked at the likes of Great Little Breaks, Newmarket Holidays and Superbreak.
WTM appoints new event director following Juliette Losardo's relocation
World Travel Market (WTM) parent RX Global has named Chris Carter-Chapman as the new event director of WTM London following Juliette Losardo’s transition to lead the group’s Middle East team. In his new role, Carter-Chapman will report to RX UK travel portfolio director Jonathan Heastie. “I’m acutely aware of the immense responsibility that comes with leading an event of WTM’s stature and the significant potential it holds for continued growth,” Carter-Chapman commented. Prior to joining, he held leadership roles in the media and events industries, including commercial director at event specialist Intelligence Squared and event director at business information and media group Centaur Media.
Sani Ikos names sales manager to lead new concierge service
The Sani/Ikos Group has appointed Foteini Chatzichristaki to lead its newly-created concierge team, Elite Portfolio. In her new role as sales manager, Chatzichristaki will work alongside agents and tour operators to curate bespoke holiday activities for their ultra-high-net-worth clients. “Cultural discoveries, private dinners, yacht cruises, and spectacular excursions are just some of the VIP services they can arrange,” said Sani/Ikos Group chief sales officer Antonis Avdelas. The concierge service will be only available for room categories of three bedrooms across the property portfolio – including at Ikos Andalusia and Palma’s Ikos Porto Petro. The creation of Elite Portfolio also aims to forge stronger relationships with luxury agents and tour operators and solidify the group’s leadership role in the hospitality sector.
Discover the World expands UK Expedia TAAP with two new appointments
Discover the World has expanded its UK Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP) team with the appointment of Myesha Alom as account manager for the Midlands and Rupali Sharma as inside sales specialist. Alom joined the Expedia TAAP team in April after a three-year stint at American Express, while Sharma started earlier this month after five years at car rental company Sixt. “With these two new roles, we have significantly expanded our reach within the team and enhanced our ability to support partners across the world,” said UK country lead Adam Reeves. With the addition of Alom and Sharma, Discover the World's Expedia TAAP team now has eight members.
