Gilchrist brings 26 years’ travel industry experience to the role with the spa break specialist, including 15 years in roles with a specific product and contracting focus.

Earlier this year, Spabreaks.com embarked on a search for an experienced professional to expand the company’s product offering and relationships supplier partners.

A record first quarter, which saw the business almost triple its 2019 Q1 trading figures as bookings increased to record levels, further expedited the need to recruit someone to increase industry support and Spabreaks.com’s product offering.

Gilchrist, who started his career in travel as a rep before moving into travel retailing, has for the past 15 years specialised in product and contracting.

"I am exceptionally pleased to be joining the Spabreaks.com team and driving the product strategy to achieve our exciting growth plans," he said.

Spabreaks.com founder Abi Selby said Gilchrist’s "extensive experience" at leading travel brands would be invaluable to the business’s continued growth.

"We have invested heavily in expanding our team over the past 12 months, doubling the size of our customer service and commercial teams to ensure we provide the best level of support to our customers, partners and the industry possible.

"I truly believe this has played a significant part in our success over the past year. We’re delighted to have broken sales records numerous times in 2021, and in Q1 of 2022."