Bennetts, who will take up the role in June, will be responsible for identifying and developing growth opportunities and driving sales for the luxury river cruise, small ship cruising and touring offerings of both the APT and Travelmarvel brands.

He will join company from easyJet holidays, where he has been head of distribution for nearly two years. Prior to that, he spent four and a half years as senior sales and retail operations manager at Kuoni.  

Paul Melinis, managing director of APT and Travelmarvel, said Bennetts’ "extensive knowledge of the UK travel industry and his genuine commitment to agents and their success" made him the "perfect choice to lead our efforts at this very exciting time for our brands".

"Trade sales account for 75% of our current business and we can’t think of anyone better to look after our travel agent partners from early June," Melinis added.

Meanwhile, Bennetts said he was committed to ensuring the brands continue to "lead the market" in Asian and European river cruising.

"Though I have loved my time with easyJet holidays, and it was an honour to have been a part of the journey as they launched to the trade in August 2020, it’s time for me to embark on a new chapter and I’m thrilled to be joining APT this summer," he added.

He replaces Jessica Shelton-Agar, who left APT to move to the Middle East in January, after 10 years with the brand.