Harmer returns to ACE
Andy Harmer is to return to the Association of Cruise Experts, where he will replace Flo Powell as director from November.
Harmer was previously ACE director for three years to 2009, during which time he was credited with growing the membership and he was also responsible for introducing the first ACE UK Cruise Convention and instrumental in launching National Cruise Week.
“ACE is a well respected brand, supported strongly by both agents and cruise lines," said Harmer. "With more agents than ever before actively selling cruises, ACE has a pivotal role in providing them with the knowledge and expertise needed to ensure customer expectations are met and exceeded.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years with The Cruise Portfolio and leave with a clearer understanding of the relationship between agents and cruise lines, knowledge that I can use to further develop and drive ACE forward to ensure the organisation continues to contribute to the growth in cruise holidays.”
Jo Rzymowska, Chair of the PSA’s Cruise Section, added: “ACE is in the unique position of being able to provide agents with training on all aspects of cruise holidays. The knowledge they gain from the wide range of training activities is crucial to successfully selling a cruise and Andy has the experience and innovation to deliver the support agents need to grow their business.”
The Cruise Portfolio is seeking a replacement for Harmer. Managing director Edwina Lonsdale said: “During his time at The Cruise Portfolio, Andy put in place a number of initiatives designed to engage the industry more with its luxury brands – Crystal Cruises, Orion Expedition Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises and most recently Tauck River Cruises.
Key achievements include the launch of three new cruise lines, the Bespoke series of seminars, the recent Cruise Portfolio Marathon, and reward programmes such as Thank Crystal It’s Friday.
Andy has done exactly the job we hired him to do, raising the profile and understanding of our brands to a new level. We wish him well in the future.”
By Linsey McNeill
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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season