Claire Williams and Rachel Stears, who together share 55 years’ industry experience, will join the operator’s expert hub call centre.

The operator said serving agents through the hub was a vital part of its trade growth strategy, with calls routinely answered within two minutes.

"Kuoni’s destination experts approach is designed to ensure travel agents’ calls are directed to the best people to support them and give them informed insight," said Kuoni.

Of Williams and Stears, it added: "They are used to creating multi-centre itineraries and have extensive knowledge of hotels, experiences throughout Europe suited to couples, families or singles of all ages."

Sarah Weetman, Kuoni’s head of trade partnerships, said Williams and Stears would bring "an extra later of expertise".

"[The hub] is designed to give agents confidence that they’ll be able to directed someone who really knows their stuff and can help match the right holiday to their customers’ brief."

Stears said: "Since working at Classic Collection, I have gained more of an understanding and appreciation of European premium holidays.

"I can’t wait to bring my experience to my new role at Kuoni. With more than 25 years’ experience in travel, I have visited many destinations in Europe – including a year living in Portugal."

Williams added: “I’ve been in travel for 30 years, most recently with Classic Collection where I spent two years. My time there has given me such wonderful experience which I am excited to bring to Kuoni as a Europe expert.

"I love that so many places on our doorstop have so many affordable luxury hotels and such beautiful landscape. Greece is my go to, I love the islands such as Corfu, Rhodes and Santorini and continue to explore."