Lavers joins Prestige from A-Rosa as commercial and trade relations manager, with responsibility for developing trade engagement, and communicating and establishing closer relationships with agency consortia, as well as training and events.

He will report directly to Prestige Travel managing director Lee Hamilton, and joins as the operator introduces a new booking and training platform. The operator said Lavers would “play an instrumental role in developing Prestige Travel’s trade strategy”.

"Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for the independent travel sector, and this commitment will continue at Prestige Travel, where 96% of our business comes from the trade," said Lavers.

“My goal is to enhance our trade relationships by increasing training opportunities, organising client evenings and events, supporting Aito members, maintaining our membership in Bright, offering more educational programmes, incentives, and focused support for the agents who support us."

Prestige added Lavers would “personally reach out to top agents and consortium heads” in the coming weeks. Any agents interested in learning more about Prestige, and potentially working with the brand, are encouraged to contact Lavers.

Lavers’ aims include helping agents leverage the expertise within Prestige’s product and reservations team, and encouraging agents and Prestige staff to build personal relationships. He has also promised agents they won’t experience long call wait times.

His appointment also coincides with the launch of Prestige’s new Canada brochure, and strong performance across its Australia and New Zealand programme.