APT & Travelmarvel has strategically appointed Tara Jerrard as the Business Development Manager for Southern England, enhancing their sales force.
With a robust background in corporate and airline management, Jerrard is poised to strengthen trade partnerships and drive new business opportunities in the region.
Appointment of Tara Jerrard
APT & Travelmarvel has announced the strategic appointment of Tara Jerrard as the business development manager for the southern region of England. Her extensive background in senior account management within the airline and corporate sectors, notably with Etihad Airways and ACE Travel Management, positions her as an asset in enhancing the company’s trade partnerships.
Jerrard is set to report directly to Brad Bennetts, the head of sales and business development. Her role is to further the strategic growth of APT and Travelmarvel in Southern England, focusing on the promotion of their river cruise, small ship, and touring products. Her expertise will be instrumental in identifying new business opportunities and strengthening existing partnerships.
Strategic Focus and Responsibilities
In her new role, Tara Jerrard will support APT’s independent retail agency partners across the southern counties of the UK. She is tasked with delivering targeted training, identifying potential business ventures, and orchestrating strategic campaigns aimed at diversifying and strengthening the company’s market presence.
Moreover, Jerrard’s responsibilities include driving initiatives to enhance agent engagement with APT’s offerings. Her role is pivotal as APT approaches its centenary, with plans for significant product developments such as the launch of MS Estrela, which will navigate Portugal’s Douro River in August.
The firm acknowledges that having a competent sales team is vital to their success. Brad Bennetts emphasised that a strong sales presence in the south is as crucial as their ships and guest experiences, and Jerrard’s appointment is a step in this direction.
Industry Insights and Opportunities
APT & Travelmarvel is currently experiencing an upswing in demand for river cruising, small ship sailing, and touring, areas in which Jerrard is expected to make a substantial impact. Her appointment coincides with efforts to capitalise on these growing sectors, reflecting the company’s commitment to expand and enhance customer experiences in travel.
Tara Jerrard has voiced her enthusiasm about joining APT, highlighting the company’s dedication to its partners and staff. Her commitment is rooted in APT’s proactive and supportive culture, which plays a crucial role in fostering growth and innovation in the travel sector.
“River cruising, small ship sailing, and touring are booming, and the business potential of these travel styles is enormous,” Jerrard commented. This statement underscores the vast opportunities available and the significant growth potential within the industry.
Growth Strategy as APT Approaches its Centenary
As APT nears its 100th year, the company remains focused on augmenting its market penetration through strategic appointments like Jerrard’s. This is part of a broader strategy to revolutionise their service offerings and fortify relationships with travel agents and partners.
The introduction of their premium brand, Travelmarvel, alongside new itineraries such as the Douro River cruises, further illustrates the company’s forward-thinking approach. These ventures are pivotal to maintaining APT’s competitive edge.
Bennetts reiterated the importance of dynamic sales strategies and personnel in achieving these goals, indicating that Jerrard’s role will be central to executing these initiatives successfully.
Enhancing Agent Partnerships
Building robust relationships with travel agents is a cornerstone of APT’s operational strategy in the UK. Jerrard’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening these ties through enhanced support and collaboration.
Her day-to-day focus will include providing tailored training programmes, which are designed to equip agents with comprehensive knowledge of APT’s diverse travel options, thus driving increased engagement and sales.
This strategy not only reinvigorates APT’s market position but also empowers agents by fostering a deeper understanding of the products they offer. It is a mutually beneficial approach that enhances both agent capability and company outreach.
Future Prospects and Developments
Looking ahead, APT is poised to seize new opportunities in the evolving travel landscape, guided by its experienced leadership team. Jerrard’s appointment is integral to these ambitions, ensuring the company remains agile and adaptable to changing market demands.
The launch of new fleets such as the MS Estrela represents APT’s commitment to innovation and excellence in travel experiences. These developments are designed to attract an increasingly discerning clientele, eager for unique and memorable journeys.
APT’s continued drive for excellence is evident in its strategic planning, aligning with emerging trends and customer preferences. Jerrard’s leadership will play a critical role in steering these efforts towards sustained growth and success.
Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
APT & Travelmarvel remain committed to setting high standards in the travel industry, as evidenced by their strategic initiatives and expert appointments. Jerrard’s role is a testament to their endeavour to maintain these standards.
Her addition to the team is expected to invigorate the company’s approach to partnerships and product offerings in the south, providing a fresh perspective and renewed energy to their operations.
Tara Jerrard’s appointment as southern BDM marks a significant step in APT & Travelmarvel’s strategic journey, reinforcing their commitment to growth and excellence. Her expertise and innovative approach are set to drive new opportunities, enhancing the company’s presence and product offerings in the competitive travel industry.
