He will take up the role on June 18 and joins from Topdeck Travel, where he led the youth brand’s Asia-Pacific region.

John Telfer will continue as deputy managing director after Ponte joins.

Prior to his time with Topdeck, Ponte spent more than 10 years – in two stints – with

Flight Centre Group.

He has also served as general manager, sales and marketing for Insider Journeys (formerly Travel IndoChina).

Paul Carter, chief executive of Explore parent Hotelplan, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Joe at such an exciting time for Explore. Joe brings a wealth of industry experience and a genuine enthusiasm for adventure travel, and I look forward to working with him and everyone at Explore to further enhance our customer proposition and increase demand for our amazing travel experiences, both in the UK through new agency partnerships and internationally.

“I would like to thank John Telfer for his solid leadership in steering the business over the past six months in his interim role as managing director.”