Edwards, who has been appointed sales development executive for the north, will link up with the luxury tailor-made specialists on 10 October following stints with Jet2 and Polka Dot Travel.

She will support head of sales north Gemma Pinder-Davidson’s efforts to grow Elegant’s agent footprint and build further agent support for If Only in the north.

If Only and Elegant said she would bring 13 years’ industry experience to the role across both the short and long-haul luxury travel sectors.

Tracy Docherty, If Only and Elegant Resorts agency sales director, said it was the perfect time to expand the group’s trade support team, which currently comprises Pinder-Davidson, head of sales south Charlotte Brailsford, and head of sales Jon Hardcastle, who will depart the business next month.

"As the luxury market continues to grow, it’s the perfect time to have a bigger trade team visiting more agencies and homeworkers gaining further support for both brands," said Docherty.

"We know Vicky will be a great addition to the team, bringing lots of valuable experience from various sectors of the market, so she will be able to transition into the role with ease."

Docherty continued: "This appointment will enhance our trade sales team and will help us to increase the support we offer to our growing portfolio of regional and national agent partners for both Elegant Resorts and If Only. Vicky will be spending time with both brands before contacting her new portfolio of agents."

Edwards added: "I’m delighted to be back in the industry working for such prestigious luxury brands and I can’t wait to get started and out on the road to meet you all very soon."

The two brands are also recruiting for a sales development executive for the south.