The pair have joined the board effective immediately and will bring a "wealth of industry experience and enthusiasm" to Abta’s charity arm.

Stirrup’s appointment brings a cruise representation to the board for the first time as well as her knowledge of working with the travel agent community. She most recently supported the organisation as a driving force behind the Celebrity Loves Agents campaign in January which raised £10,000 for the charity.

Meanwhile, North’s appointment strengthens his commitment to tackling the stigma around mental health and builds on his existing relationship with Abta LifeLine as a Get Travel Talking mental health champion, the peer-to-peer support network established by TTG and LifeLine during the pandemic.

He is keen to raise the profile of the support LifeLine provides to the travel community and help the charity achieve its fundraising goals.

Stirrup said she was "honoured" to join the board as a trustee. "Latterly, in my role as sales director at Celebrity Cruises, I have seen the valuable contribution Abta LifeLine makes to our industry and to those experiencing significant hardship," she added.

"Travel continues to face challenges, and Abta LifeLine provides support for those who need it most. Those are the very same people who we rely on as businesses for their expertise and support."

Meanwhile, North said: "I’m delighted to be joining the board at Abta LifeLine. I’ve spent the past 26 years within the travel industry and must say what a brilliant industry it is. The beating heart our industry is the amazing people."