Former Azamara UK and Ireland boss Richard Twynam has joined Australian line Coral Expeditions as a non-executive director.
The appointment coincides with new investment into the small ship company from Australia’s National Roads and Motorists Association.
The NRMA has taken an undisclosed “significant minority” stake in the Cairns-based line to support expansion plans.
Twynam, who left Azamara last April after more than six years, tweeted: “Delighted to have worked on this project and thrilled to have been appointed a non exec director on the Coral Expeditions board. Exciting times ahead for both of these brands.”
The five-ship company resumed operations in October with sailings to the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania following Covid-19 lockdown.
Coral Expeditions executive director Paul Chacko said: “We began discussions with NRMA last year and were struck by the fit between both organisations.
“Both have long-term planning horizons, a guest and member-focused culture, and significant customer demographic overlap.”
NRMA chief investment officer Rachel Wiseman said: “Over the past four years NRMA has been focused on finding more ways for Australians to experience the rich natural environment in which we live and believes that expedition tourism is one of best ways to do it.
“Coral Expeditions is an Australian flagged expedition cruising business offering Australians an opportunity to safely discover their region, through a small group, premium experience.
“We are excited for the opportunity this provides for our members and Australians more broadly to enjoy the incredible experiences Coral offers.
“There has never been a time when Australian domestic tourism has been more important.”