Longman takes over next week as chief operating officer of the tailor-made specialist, but becomes chief executive in January, when current boss Ian Simkins steps back to become a non-executive director. Simkins said he was handing over “what I feel is the best role in travel”.

Simkins added: “I’m really proud of what the team and I have achieved since 2012, growing bookings five-fold, opening up new offices in Boston and London, increasing our quality scores whilst creating more and more unique travel experiences for our clients. It’s great to have Nick on board to build further on this success.”

Longman said: “I am really excited to be joining Audley, the leader in tailor made travel. I look forward to working with the entire team and continuing to deliver excellent service to the clients whilst providing in-depth destination expertise and thereby building on Audley’s significant successes to date.”

Audley, which is owned by investment company 3i, made £23.8 million before tax in 2016 on a turnover of £173.5 million, but saw revenue jump to £242 million in the last financial year. The operator said “strong trading momentum” had continued into 2018 with group revenue up 26% in the first half of the year.

Audley operates to more than 80 countries and has offices in Witney, London and Boston.