A-ROSA River Cruises has opened its UK sales and marketing office in Cardiff and made two key appointments.
Hugh Clayson has been appointed commercial manager and Simon McDermott takes up the role of business development manager for the north on May 1.
Hugh Clayson brings with him many years of experience in high profile roles within the industry, more recently as commercial director at Pandaw Cruises and commercial product director at Titan Travel. He will report directly into Lucia Rowe, managing director of A-ROSA UK and Ireland.
Simon McDermott will be agent facing, working and supporting the trade to promote the brand and helping to train agents on all the key products and USP?s of the cruise line. His role will be to increase agents knowledge and understanding of the company, how it differs from other river cruise lines and how it can be booked in the UK. Simon has worked in the travel industry for 30 years and brings with him a wealth of cruise experience, having spent seven years at Hurtigruten plus held roles with AMA Waterways and Scenic and Emerald Waterways.
Commenting on the new appointments, Lucia Rowe said: ?I am delighted to welcome Hugh and Simon into the A-ROSA family. Hugh has such an in-depth knowledge of both the tour operating and cruise markets and his commercial and marketing experience will be invaluable in helping A-ROSA expand its trade partnerships and network.?
?Simon is well known with agents and he will be out and about as yet another brand ambassador flying the A-ROSA flag. He will be meeting with agents regularly and educating them about all the great things A-ROSA has to offer, plus our exciting plans for the future. He will also be involved in our agent educationals to ensure we get as many of the trade to sample our products as possible.?
In addition, Stefan Trottnow will join the UK team in May as a cruise consultant, moving over from the head quarters in Rostock where he worked in the customer service and reservations department for five years. Stefan will be the first point of call in the office and provide daily support for agents and tour operators, support the business development managers and provide a direct link between the head quarters and the UK office. Executive assistant Olivia Stephens will also be based at the new office.
