The Association of Cruise Experts’ director Andy Harmer is to leave in July to join The Cruise Portfolio.
Harmer will be sales and marketing director at The Cruise Portfolio, the general sales arm for Mundy Cruising, and leaves after three years at the association.
Harmer launched ACE, dropping its previous name PSARA, in 2007 and increased the size of ACE’s membership dramatically by encouraging Thomas Cook and TUI Travel to join. ACE, the agent arm of the Passenger Shipping Association, now has around 3,000 agencies signed up, compared to 700 in 2007.
He has also been responsible for setting up and running the annual ACE Cruise Convention, now in its third year. He will leave just after this year’s event in Dover following the association’s annual general meeting in July.
Harmer said: “My three years at ACE has been fantastic, all of the cruise lines and travel agent partners have been incredibly supportive, and we have shown what can be achieved through working togther as one industry.
“However, the opportunity to work with some of the best known and most succesful luxury cruise brands was irresistable, and I feel it is time to take on a new challenge, particularly now that ACE is such a success in delivering training and support across the industry.”
PSA director Bill Gibbons paid tribute to Harmer’s work at ACE. He said: “He has worked tirelessly to bring the organisation to its now much admired position within the industry.”
In the role, Harmer will have responsibility for luxury cruiselines such as Crystal Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Ponant Cruises.
Previous roles Harmer has held include UK sales and marketing manager at Hills Balfour and sales manager and training and development manager at TV Travel Shop, Bromley.