The recent recruitment initiative by Ambassador Cruise Line demonstrates the company’s commitment to strengthening its trade relationships.
- Ambassador Cruise Line’s recruitment drive aims to fill new business roles following a record-breaking season launch.
- The drive includes hiring a deputy head of trade to enhance services and maximise sales.
- A focus is placed on building robust commercial relationships and increasing regional cruising accessibility.
- Ambassador’s proactive approach indicates significant confidence in the future of cruising amid economic challenges.
Ambassador Cruise Line has embarked on a strategic recruitment drive aimed at bolstering its trade team amidst a backdrop of impressive growth. The cruise line has announced the creation of a deputy head of trade role, which comes after a record-breaking season launch that saw revenue more than double compared to the previous year. This initiative highlights Ambassador’s commitment to building its commercial prowess and supporting its trade partners.
The newly created position of deputy head of trade is notable for its focus on leveraging existing commercial relationships to maximise sales opportunities. This role will report to Nicola Harper, the head of distribution, and play a crucial part in enhancing service levels for agents and trade partners. This is indicative of the company’s broader strategy to maintain and enhance its position in the competitive cruising industry.
In addition to the deputy head of trade, Ambassador is seeking to expand its team with the recruitment of business development managers and executives. The exact structure of the team will be determined based on the strengths of the applicants, reflecting a flexible and tailored approach to building a robust trade team.
Currently, the trade team comprises 10 members, but plans are in place to increase this number by three or four, contingent on the expertise of the candidates. This strategic expansion underscores Ambassador’s focus on strengthening its service delivery and sales operations as part of its growth trajectory.
Further illustrating its commitment to trade partnerships, Ambassador has unveiled a comprehensive UK-wide ship visit programme and several agent familiarisation trips, aimed at deepening relationships and enhancing brand appreciation among trade partners. This approach underscores the company’s recognition of the crucial role agents play in its success.
Nicola Harper has emphasised that the strength of Ambassador’s partnerships with agents has been pivotal to its recent successes. Harper noted the considerable trade share of sales, attributing it to the excellent relationships cultivated over time. There is a marked excitement within the company about the renewed consumer confidence in cruising, which is reflected in the robust forward booking levels.
During a time of widespread economic challenges, Ambassador remains optimistic about the cruise industry’s rebound. The company has identified a strong interest in regional port offerings, allowing guests to embark on journeys from local ports, a convenience that resonates well with the UK public amidst travel cost concerns.
Ambassador Cruise Line’s recruitment drive is a strategic move to solidify its trade relationships and sustain growth amidst a flourishing cruise industry.
