Clia UK and Ireland director Andy Harmer will take on a new European role next year as he takes the lead on growth across the continent.
From January 1 Harmer will become Clia Europe vice president operations, taking responsibility for the strategic development of Clia’s agent programme across Europe. He will continue to oversee the UK market but will also be responsible for the expansion of events across Europe and rolling out training courses.
Speaking about his promotion, Harmer said: “I am delighted to be taking on this new role at a time when Clia is making great progress in expanding the agent offering.
“We want to share the great wealth of resources and information that we have in the UK with our European colleagues as we know that with the right support and resources, we can help grow an agent’s business.”
He said he hoped the success of events such as the Clia Cruise Conference could be replicated across Europe. Next year’s conference, the association’s tenth anniversary of the event, is almost sold out just weeks after registration opened.
Cindy D’Aoust, Clia’s acting chief executive, said: “Andy has a track record of achievements including the creation of the largest cruise travel agent event in Europe, the Clia Conference, which each year attracts record numbers.
“He has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and is passionate about the industry and has grown the number of travel agents who are experts in selling cruise holidays.”