Prestige Travel has appointed Joe Lavers as in the newly created role of commercial and trade relations manager to develop training programmes, events and closer relationships with agency consortia.
The former Wendy Wu Tours business development manager and A-Rosa regional sales manager will report directly to Prestige Travel managing director Lee Hamilton.
In his new role, Lavers will spearhead trade initiatives including the introduction of a new booking and training platform.
Lavers said: “Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for the independent travel sector, and this commitment will continue at Prestige Travel, where 96% of our business comes from the trade.
“My goal is to enhance our trade relationships by increasing training opportunities, organising client evenings and events, supporting Aito members, maintaining our membership in Bright, offering more educational programmes, incentives, and focused support for the agents who support us.”
He said the operator “prides itself on delivering an outstanding service”, with the product and reservations teams building personal relationships the trade.
The operator is soon to launch a Canada brochure. It also has an Australia and New Zealand programme and an extensive European and domestic programme.