Guest took up her role on Monday (22 July) covering for Heather Colbourn while she is on maternity leave.

She brings 15 years of travel and tourism experience to the role having held sales and management positions at Thomas Cook, Tui and Royal Caribbean.

Based in central London, Guest will work alongside head of international sales Peter Townsend, who is based in Australia.

She will be responsible for supporting the UK travel trade, ensuring they have the tools, skills and knowledge to sell the operator’s guided holiday product.

Guest said she was looking forward to “joining the touring sector”, which she said “presents a fantastic opportunity for agents by offering them an incredibly experience-rich product to sell”.

“There is so much potential to unlock here, and AAT Kings is the most exciting way to explore Australia and New Zealand,” she added.

Townsend said Guest brought great personal insight and understanding of the importance of the trade.

“Joanna is perfectly placed to continue AAT Kings’ efforts to engage and assist the trade in the UK market," he added.