A-ROSA expands UK team
A-ROSA River Cruises has appointed two new UK managers with the opening of its new sales and marketing office in Cardiff.
Hugh Clayson (pictured far right) formerly commercial director at Pandaw Cruises and Commercial product director at Titan Travel, has taken up the role of commercial manager.
Simon McDermott (above, second right) who has spent seven years at Hurtigruten and held roles with AMA Waterways and Scenic and Emerald Waterways, will take up the agent-facing role of business development manager for the north on May 1.
Managing director A-ROSA UK and Ireland Lucia Rowe (above, second left) 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 headquarters in Rostock where he worked in the customer service and reservations department for five years.
Trottnow 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.
A-ROSA is still in the process of recruiting a business development manager for the south region. The second phase will be to set up a marketing team, which is expected to happen later in the year, it said.
The appointments coincide with the opening of A-ROSA’s~UK registered sales and marketing office in Cardiff, the first international sales office to open outside of Germany.
"This is such an exciting milestone for us here in the UK. It shows our determination and loyalty to the UK market and despite the current uncertainty, we are still totally committed to growing here," said Rowe. "Since we entered the UK market four years ago we have seen interest and demand grow and opening our first UK office in Cardiff gives a real home to our international brand. We look forward to welcoming many of our partners and agents."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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