APT Travelmarvel has announced the appointment of Michelle Ryan as its inaugural country manager for Ireland.
This strategic move aims to strengthen the company’s presence and partnerships within the Irish travel market.
New Role and Responsibilities
Michelle Ryan, with over a decade of experience in the travel industry, has been appointed by APT Travelmarvel as the new country manager for Ireland. Her extensive background in business development and sales makes her a key asset for the company’s strategy to expand its trade business in Ireland.
Reporting directly to Brad Bennetts, head of sales and business development at APT & Travelmarvel, Ryan is tasked with nurturing and expanding the company’s relationships with travel agents and retail partners in Ireland.
Strategic Plans and Fam Trips for 2025
APT Travelmarvel has laid out plans to conduct dedicated familiarisation (fam) trips for Irish agents in 2025. These trips are designed to provide firsthand experience of APT’s offerings, which will, in turn, enable agents to better market the company’s travel products.
The introduction of fam trips signifies the company’s commitment to investing in the Irish market, ensuring that local agents are well-equipped with the knowledge and experience required to promote APT Travelmarvel’s extensive range of cruises and tours.
Career Achievements and Expertise
Michelle Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. In her previous position as a sales development manager at Royal Caribbean International, she successfully collaborated with cruise specialists, consortia, and multiples across Ireland.
Ryan’s role involved supporting these partners with training, events, marketing, and incentives, which she plans to continue and expand upon in her new position at APT Travelmarvel.
“I am incredibly excited to join this dynamic company and help even more agents in Ireland to capitalise on the outstanding sales opportunity that APT’s Travelmarvel brand offers,” said Ryan.
Market Expansion and Product Focus
Since its launch in Ireland over 18 months ago, Travelmarvel has seen significant growth. The company’s strongest sellers include Rhine and Danube river cruises aboard its Contemporary River Ships and the Douro River in Northern Portugal, bolstered by the launch of the new MS Estrela river ship.
This targeted strategy has not only increased brand visibility but also driven substantial sales growth within the Irish market.
Collaborative Initiatives and Agent Support
As part of her new role, Ryan will spearhead joint marketing initiatives aimed at boosting Travelmarvel’s brand presence in Ireland. These initiatives include in-store support and exclusive training and development opportunities for travel agents.
By focusing on collaborative efforts with agents, Ryan aims to showcase Travelmarvel’s gold standard fleet, itineraries, and services, further cementing the company’s position in the market.
Leadership and Future Goals
With Michelle Ryan at the helm as the country manager, APT Travelmarvel is well-positioned to leverage her extensive industry contacts and experience. Her leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in the continued expansion and investment in Ireland.
“Michelle is perfectly positioned to push the brand forward – her contacts and wealth of experience will be invaluable as we continue expanding and investing in Ireland,” stated Brad Bennetts.
In summary, Michelle Ryan’s appointment as the country manager for Ireland marks a significant milestone in APT Travelmarvel’s strategic expansion. Her expertise and strong industry connections are anticipated to drive substantial growth and enhance the company’s presence in the Irish market.
With planned fam trips and collaborative marketing initiatives, the future looks promising for APT Travelmarvel and its partners in Ireland.
