The Stoke-based agency and operator, which recorded its most successful year ever this year, is now seeking to diversify its product offering and services in a bit to achieve 70% growth next year.

Central to these ambitions will be a targeted recruitment drive, with Blue Bay on the lookout for a cruise product manager and a commercial manager.

“We are adding even more EU destinations into the subscriber exclusive portfolio and entering the cruise market in a big way too," said chief executive Alistair Rowland.

"Hiring a cruise product manager and commercial manager is going to be crucial to support our ambitious plans, offering even more products and services to our loyal clients.”

Tom Malbon, Blue Bay head of business intelligence, added: “I’ve stayed with Blue Bay Travel over the past 10 years because this community of passionate, quirky, and eccentricity is unmatched in its offbeat enthusiasm. 

“We’re living proof that being ’corporate’ does not mean swapping your soul for a suit, building our successes through the authenticity of our people as opposed to ties and spreadsheets. The world is ours, fellow travellers."

Around 150 members of the Blue Bay team and suppliers celebrated the two-decade milestone at a conference and awards event near Blue Bay’s Stoke-on-Trent head office. A number of team members were honoured with awards, with each winner receiving a seven-night overseas stay.

Blue Bay also committed £1,000 to its charity partner, animal rescue Pebbles Legacy, to double the total raised for the charity this year.