Clifford has been appointed to a newly created European product manager role at tailor-made, private tour specialist UTC, which he will take up on 1 February, reporting to head of product Luke Stapylton-Smith.

He has previously held product-focused roles with Leger-Shearings Group, Abercrombie & Kent, Cox & Kings, Exodus Travels and Wexas.

Clifford’s appointment comes as UTC prepares to launch new product in France, Switzerland, Malta, England and Scotland, building on its existing luxury tailor-made offering and small-ship cruising operation in Croatia, Greece, Italy and Spain.

UTC said Clifford would be tasked with building a European product team equipped to develop new relationships with luxury hotels and specialist cruise lines, and create new private touring experiences.

In addition, the company said Clifford was one of a number of new appointments planned for 2023, which it said would support its ambition to "further strengthen relationships with the trade".

"It’s exciting to be working on an almost entirely new product portfolio," said Clifford. "I look forward to using my product experience to help shape the company’s growth and contribute towards their expansion plans."

Stapylton-Smith added: “Simon brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise from the luxury travel sector to our business. He’s joining us at a truly exciting time of growth and expansion.

"We have outstanding product in our established European destinations, which we are looking to build upon. We are confident that with Simon in place, he will also play a pivotal role in helping us to expand further into Europe. This will give us a fantastic foundation to develop more business with the trade."