"There’s simply no substitute for having ‘boots on the ground’ in markets where we are looking to increase our presence," said Tauck vice-president global sales and reservations, Steve Spivak.

Plans include a series of dedicated trade events for agents in the UK and Ireland.

Dumbrell joined Tauck in February 2020 following a stint as Belmond’s sales director; during the pandemic, he held roles with ROL Cruise and Swan Hellenic and brings 15 years’ travel industry experience to the position having also previously worked for APT and Fred Olsen.

His experience, said Tauck, spans high-end experiential travel, touring rail, cruise and river cruise.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Tom back to Tauck,” said Spivak. “Tom will leverage his deep relationships with key accounts and trade organisations throughout the UK and Ireland to advance Tauck’s presence in the market.

"His wealth of first-hand experience coupled with his extensive industry knowledge will make Tom an incredible asset to our travel partners and advisors in the UK and Ireland as they grow their Tauck business."

Spivak said Tauck was looking at trade events over the coming months in the UK and Ireland, inspired by a recent visit to Australia and New Zealand to host meetings with Tauck’s top travel advisors.

"We continue to see enormous potential in the UK and Ireland," said Spivak. "As we were just reminded during a series of successful meetings in Australia and New Zealand, there’s simply no substitute for having ‘boots on the ground’ in markets where we’re looking to increase our presence.

"It’s critical we’re not only delivering the kind of day-to-day support we know Tom will be providing, but that Tauck’s senior leadership is in tune with the long-term needs of local travel advisors."

Prior to the pandemic, Tauck set up a London call centre, started printing brochures for the UK market with pricing in sterling, and launched a dedicated UK website.