Upmarket operator Scott Dunn has opened its first sales office in the US following a “significant increase in group turnover”.
The office in San Diego, California, is part of a move offer extended opening hours to guests calling from around the world.
Scott Dunn has initially employed 12 people in San Diego but aims to double the workforce there within the next 12 months as it adds specialists in Africa, Asia, India, Latin America and Europe.
The US business will be led by John Spence, who will become Scott Dunn’s new president, North America, reporting to chief executive Simon Russell.
The firm says non-UK turnover increasing by 39% during 2015.
This follows the acquisition of the luxury tour operator in December 2014 by private equity group Inflexion, which is backing a major investment programme.
Two years ago, Scott Dunn unveiled the first phase of its global expansion, with a dedicated marketing focus in the Middle East and localised versions of its website in key global markets.
It currently employs more than 160 people at its offices in London and Chichester.
“The opening of a sales office in San Diego marks the next stage of our growth strategy and enables us to rapidly build on the business we are already doing in the North American market, already representing nearly 5% of sales,” said Russell.
“Our presence in the US is also a key part of adapting to when guests want to speak to us and will mean we can deliver our world-class service 18 hours a day to UK guests.”
Gareth Healy, partner at Inflexion, added: “Scott Dunn has seen huge success in the last year. The growth has been delivered by a strong management team with unrivalled expertise in the premium travel sector and we are committed to providing them with the investment and support they need to take the business to the next level.”