Travel Network Group expands cruise operator team amid greater focus

The Travel Network Group has expanded the sales and after-sales team for its Cruise Club tour operation after reporting “strong growth in the sector”.

The three new recruits bring the dedicated Cruise Club team to 13 staff, with plans to recruit a standalone commercial manager for the sector.

All cruise-related activity will be overseen by ex-Celebrity Cruises sales chief John Wilson, who joined the consortium in May as cruise sales director with a remit of expanding its sales in the sector and accelerating growth of The Cruise Club.

In July, Wilson revealed plans to up recruitment efforts, with a target at the point to create a team of 15 by November.

The consortium said the centralisation of activity would “provide members with a single, central point of cruise expertise, making it easier to access the tools, products and commercial partnerships that support the way they sell cruise.

TTNG chief executive Gary Lewis said: “Our members are achieving fantastic results in cruise, and our investment is focused on supporting that momentum.

“Bringing cruise activity together under John, alongside expanding the Cruise Club team, ensures our members have access to dedicated support, specialist knowledge and strong commercial opportunities as demand continues to grow.”

In addition to the expanded focus on cruise, TTNG has also “refined” its commercial team structure to “clarify where certain supplier relationships sit”.

The group said the move “ensures more targeted support for all business partners and members and strengthens the group’s ability to deliver relevant expertise and stronger commercial opportunities across the market”.