Peter Deilmann Cruises managing director Stuart Perl tells Travel Weekly how he built a career in the travel industry
What was your first job in travel?
Working with the owners of Cruise Club International to help them break into the conference and incentive market.
How did you climb the ladder?
On a visit to Seabourn Pride, the company asked me to run its office in London. My move to Cunard was a natural progression after Carnival acquired the shareholdings in Seabourn and Cunard in 1998.
What does it take to be good at your job?
You have to be aware of how the market is moving and build relationships with agents and the press – this is one area I’ve grown into in my role at Peter Deilmann.
What are the big challenges in your job?
The river cruise market is behind ocean cruises, which creates an appetising challenge. We expect to see a significant growth in this market over the coming years as experienced ocean cruisers start to look for new experiences.
What’s the best part of your job?
Selling and marketing our cruises to a discerning and affluent audience and then receiving their positive feedback once they’ve experienced what we’ve recommended.
And the worst?
There isn’t one – I love my job.
What’s the best piece of career advice you have received?
To believe yours is the correct product for your target market, and to promote it from the heart.
If you weren’t working in travel what would you be doing?
I would be working in the property market.
Travel CV: Stuart Perl
- 2007 to present: MD, Peter Deilmann Cruises
- 1998: Marketing director, Cunard Line
- 1996: International Sales and marketing director, Seabourn Cruise Line
- 1995: Head of corporate sales and marketing, Cruise Club International
- 1984: MD, Teknigas
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