Fred Holidays – the UK general sales agent for Lindblad Expeditions – has appointed Danielle Bates to the newly created role of head of UK sales.
Bates, who joins on October 14, brings with her extensive cruise experience, having spent 15 years at Fred Olsen Travel where she held various roles with Star Clippers including head of trade sales. Fred Olsen Travel is the UK general sales agents for Star Clippers.
Before that, she spent a year at Peter Deilmann River & Ocean Cruises.
As head of UK sales, Bates will manage the relationship between Fred Holidays and Lindblad Expeditions.
She will oversee all activity aimed at increasing brand exposure and building market share for the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand.
Bates will report to Tricia Birmingham, Fred Holidays director of tour operations, and Christine Stevens, vice-president of national, strategic and international accounts for Lindblad Expeditions.
Birmingham said: “I am confident that her experience and passion for niche cruising will prove successful in helping us showcase the exciting range of product that Lindblad Expeditions has to offer and to build the business.
“Expedition cruising is an area that is growing quickly in the UK and we are excited to be launching the fantastic National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand into the market.”
Bates added: “‘I am beyond excited to be joining Lindblad Expeditions as the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand begins its journey in the UK market.
“I look forward to building and developing key relationships across the trade in the coming months who will be instrumental in our success.
“Hosting National Geographic experts on board our voyages is a key differentiator in the market.”
More: Marketing push planned for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand