Princess Cruises’ new sales director Nick Hughes will help drive the line’s “strong” trade relationships, new UK and Europe boss Eithne Williamson says.
Hughes, who was previously sales director at trade-only tour operator Gold Medal, is due to take over from Rachel Poultney on October 17.
He will report into the line’s UK and Europe vice-president Eithne Williamson.
Speaking during a Travel Weekly webcast, Williamson praised Hughes and thanked Poultney for helping her replacement before he starts next month.
Williamson said: “It was really important to find an experienced person who had good strong relationships in the UK with the trade.
“We have huge potential, and a huge opportunity, to build on the success that we have already. Nick’s going to be able to help us get there.”
She picked out his experience and the “breadth” of his contacts. “He’s incredibly personable and has great style within,” she added. “I think he’s a real talent. He will be brilliant for Princess and long-term Carnival Corporation.”
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Williamson said Poultney had already had “conversations” with her and Hughes about the line’s direction in the UK and European markets.
“[Poultney’s] still with us at the moment, she’s been absolutely as you would expect, professional right up to the end and a huge support,” commented Williamson.
She said she expected Hughes, who has not previously worked for any cruise lines, to hit “the ground running” once he officially starts his new role next month.
“His first day with us is meeting with agents,” she said. “It’s incredibly important for us to continue the great relationships that we already have with our travel agent partners.”
Williamson added that agents had contacted her and her team about Hughes’ appointment to congratulate them on their decision.
She went on to say there were “really great agents out there” the line did not currently work with.
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