The river line said Townson would continue in his role, returning to Europe four times a year for industry events such as Clia conferences, World Travel Market and Uniworld’s annual Kick Off meeting in February.
Townson will work “a flexible timetable”, with time set aside for calls affecting the UK and European markets to “ensure seamless and consistent communication with partners and colleagues”, the river line added.
Head of sales Angela Sloan has been promoted to director of sales, while key account managers Dawn Quinn and Lee Evanson have become national sales managers.
Meanwhile, David Broad, who has previously worked for JTA, MSC Cruises and Tui, has joined Uniworld as a sales manager.
The 10-strong UK and Europe sales and marketing team has representation in the UK, Ireland and Guernsey.
Another sales manager, supporting agents the south-east region, is expected to be announced in “the coming months”.
Townson said: “Ang, Dawn and Lee have been with us for 20 years between them, and have a wealth of passion, experience and strong relationships that have helped our business to thrive.
“I am delighted for them and look forward to working with them from my new home in Australia.”
He added: “We have the right team to continue the momentum into 2024, and I will be working flexible hours to ensure that my team and our valued trade partners are serviced and supported even better as we move forward.”
Townson said 2023 has been the line’s best-ever year for sales from the UK market, with bookings 35% up against 2022.
“This is due in part to having one of the longest serving and most consistent teams in the industry, both onboard our ships and within our UK sales and marketing team,” he added.
Uniworld chartered two 110-passenger ships from rival line Riverside Luxury Cruises earlier this month. The vessels will be deployed in Europe in 2024 and 2025.
