Mariana Canico joins Simpson's trade team as business development executive, tasked with providing agents support with marketing, social media and events. She will work alongside head of trade sales Hannah Naylor-Vane and trade sales executive Daniel Conitzer.

"With her social media expertise, she will add a huge amount to the team, producing regular Facebook content and product updates that agents can use, as well as weekly agent newsletters and meeting agents face-to-face," said Naylor-Vane.

"Her appointment will also enable me to spend more time with agents - specifically on training and at conferences and events."

Canico added she was looking forward to meeting Simpson's trade partners on an upcoming fam to Kalkan in Turkey. She joins Simpson bringing customer service experience, most recently from a spell with Radisson Blu.

(Credit: Simpson Travel)

Naylor-Vane, meanwhile, said Simpson was well-placed to support agents with enquiries or bookings affected by On the Beach's decision to shutter its Classic Collection brand last week.

"Following the very sad news last week regarding the closure of Classic Collection, we want to reassure agents of our commitment to the trade," she said.

"With our range of villas and boutique hotels across the Mediterranean, in destinations including Greece, Turkey, Corsica, France, Italy and Mallorca, along with premium services and a commitment to customer experience, our approach reflects many of the philosophies that Classic Collection originally stood for.

"While we are best known for our villas, we also have an outstanding selection of beachfront boutique hotels, so for any agents who are looking for alternatives to what Classic Collection offered, please do feel free to speak to one of the team."

Simpson is also planning to fun a fam programme for agents earlier next year to some of its key destinations. Any agents wishing to find out more should contact the specialist's trade team or head to its trade Facebook page – Simpson Travel Agent Partners.