A-Rosa has opened its UK sales and marketing office in Cardiff and made two appointments.

Hugh Clayson is now commercial manager and Simon McDermott takes up the role of business development manager for the north on 1 May.

In addition, Stefan Trottnow will join the UK team in May as a cruise consultant, moving from the headquarters in Rostock where he worked in the customer service and reservations department for five years. Executive assistant Olivia Stephens will also be based at the Cardiff office.

A-Rosa UK and Ireland managing director Lucia Rowe said: “I am delighted to welcome Hugh and Simon into the A-Rosa family. Hugh has such an in-depth knowledge of both the tour operating and cruise markets and his commercial and marketing experience will be invaluable in helping A-Rosa expand its trade partnerships and network.

“Simon is well known with agents and he will be out and about as yet another brand ambassador flying the A-Rosa flag. He will be meeting with agents regularly and educating them about all the great things A-Rosa has to offer, plus our exciting plans for the future. He will also be involved in our agent educationals to ensure we get as many of the trade to sample our products as possible.”

A-Rosa is also in the process of recruiting a business development manager for the south region and plans to create a marketing team later this year.

Rowe added: “This is such an exciting milestone for us here in the UK. It shows our determination and loyalty to the UK market and despite the current uncertainty, we are still totally committed to growing here.

“Since we entered the UK market four years ago we have seen interest and demand grow and opening our first UK office in Cardiff gives a real home to our international brand. We look forward to welcoming many of our partners and agents.”