Glasgow-based Watson, who brings more than 16 years’ travel industry experience to the role, will support G’s agent partners in the north of England, Ireland and Scotland.

She joins G after 18 months managing Middle East and Africa product development at Hays, where her focus was to grow HTOL’s touring offering.

Watson has also previously worked across a range of worldwide sales, commercial and product roles for Travel 2, Walt Disney’s Epcot theme park and Thomas Cook.

Stu Darnely, G Adventures national sales manager, said the operator would look to work "more closely than ever" with the trade as part of its regrowth strategy. “We’re seeing increased demand from agents wanting more in-person meetings," he said.

"Our GPS team are now back on the road, nurturing those face-to-face relationships, helping with training and speaking with customers to help raise awareness around the benefits of adventure and touring."

Watson added she was looking forward to joining up with G after travelling with the operator in the past and long admiring the operator’s approach to responsible travel.

“I’m delighted to step into a business whose values I respect and am excited to share these, along with the many incredible travel experiences on offer, with the travel agents in my region,” said Watson.