Rodgers is the first dedicated team member of the OTA's B2B operation, following two consecutive months of growth which saw third-party sales generate more than £1 million in revenue in both July and August.
She joins from Ambassador Cruise Line, where she served as Divisional Sales Manager – North, overseeing trade business across the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Prior to Ambassador, Rodgers was Regional Sales Manager at A-Rosa River Cruises, and has more than 20 years’ experience across the travel and cruise sectors.
In her new role, Rodgers will be responsible for developing cruise.co.uk’s relationships with its trade partners, supporting sales growth and identifying commercial opportunities, as the business expands its B2B distribution. She will report into Lee Johnson, Head of Trade Sales.
Tony Andrews, Managing Director of Cruise.co.uk, said: “Generating over £1 million in revenue in both July and August shows just how quickly our third-party business has grown.
"We have a product that works incredibly well for agents, particularly our cruise and stay proposition, and we’ve seen a fantastic response from existing partners and their customers.
“Emma’s appointment is the next step in our plans. She has an excellent reputation across the trade, extensive cruise experience and, importantly, understands what agents need from their supplier partners.”
'We wish Emma the very best in her new role'
Rodgers added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Cruise.co.uk at such an exciting point in the development of its trade business. The results already being generated demonstrate the appetite from agents, as well as how much opportunity there is to grow further.
“My focus will be on getting out and speaking to our partners, understanding what they need from us and making sure we give agents the products and support that help them convert more cruise enquiries. I’m really looking forward to building on the momentum already in place.”
Nicola Harper, Head of Distribution at Ambassador Cruise Line, said: "Naturally we are sad to see her leave us after a successful period where she has helped put us firmly on the map with our valued trade partners.
"However, having worked with Tony and the team at Cruise.co.uk for several years, we know this is great opportunity for Emma. Even though she’s leaving the Ambassador family, we are delighted for her personally and professionally and look forward to working with her again as she embarks on a new adventure with another great business."
She added: "All the team at Ambassador wish Emma the very best in her new role."
