Boulding has been with the operator’s parent company The Travel Corporation (TTC) which also includes brands Trafalgar, Contiki Holidays and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, for 33 years.

He will remain with the escorted touring specialist to oversee the transition to new chief executive Ulla Hefel Bohler.

Brett Tollman, TTC’s global chief executive, said: “John’s hard work, commitment, and dedication are worthy of admiration and he will be greatly missed by us all. We sincerely thank John for his outstanding contribution and wish him and his family very well for the future.”

Tollman added: “She [Ulla] has been brilliant in enhancing and improving the guests’ experience and service in her prior role. Our guided holiday and escorted touring delivery and guest ratings have increased significantly under Ulla’s operational direction and we are confident this same commitment will greatly benefit the Insight group.”