Ittensohn becomes a permanent member of the Explore team after six months working on a consultancy project for the operator.

Managing director Joe Ponte said: “Ben’s sales management and experience in evolving customer service delivery, fuelled by his leadership experience and passion for developing teams, made him a standout.

“His trade sales and distribution experience across several international markets will be key to the strategic growth plans of Explore for 2019.”

Ittensohn spend more than a decade working for Topdeck Travel, latterly as regional manager Asia Pacific, and brings significant experience across operations in Australasia.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Explore at such an exciting time in their business and to help strengthen their global footprint and brand evolution,” said Ittensohn. “Adventure travel is an exciting sector and one I am so incredibly passionate about.

“I look forward to growing our partnerships with UK travel agents, providing exceptional support and developing the necessary tools for our global agency partners, and working with the team to expand into new markets to further increase demand for our 600+ responsible trips worldwide.”