MSC Cruises has created two new sales roles to reaffirm its commitment to growth over the coming years, with 10 new ships on order.
Amanda Elgie has been appointed regional sales manager covering the north east and Yorkshire, while an additional position has been confirmed for the Republic of Ireland.
Elgie joins MSC from Collette Travel where she was business development manager, and has previously held roles with AmaWaterways and Thomas Cook.
MSC said the two new positions marked another step in the line’s “ambitious growth plans” following a major restructure last year and expansion of its sales team.
Steve Williams, MSC director of sales UK and Ireland, said: “With 10 new ships being delivered over the coming years, the trade will be critical to our exciting growth plans in the UK.
“Amanda brings a wealth of experience and understands the needs of our high street partners while having a strong passion and energy for cruise.
“She has excellent relationships with the trade in the north east already so will be able to hit the ground running.”
Elgie’s appointment will boost MSC’s regional sales team to seven: “It’s such an exciting time to be joining MSC with the commitment of so many new cruise ships over the coming years,” she said.
“My previous experience working in the cruising sector is something I loved and I cannot wait to get stuck in with the agents in the north east and Yorkshire.”
Meanwhile, MSC will appoint another regional sales manager to expand its team in the Republic of Ireland to three after the firm’s “most successful trading year ever” in Ireland in 2017.
Williams added: “Our commitment to the Irish market remains at the very top of the agenda for MSC Cruises.
“It is fitting in the year we celebrate 10 years of operations in Ireland we will be further growing our field sales team to a team of three to support our partners in the Republic, which is complemented by a further team of two in Northern Ireland.
“We have really enjoyed an incredible year in 2017 and want to build on this incredible success.”