AmaWaterways has appointed Maria Ersmarker as business development manager for the South East & Channel Islands.

Ersmarker joins from Hurtigruten, where she worked for eight years, most recently as national events and sales manager.

Earlier this year AmaWaterways announced it was doubling the size of its UK sales team, starting with the appointment of Jon Knight as national sales manager.

The line also added Ireland to Joanne Smithies’ remit, while Rachel Simon joined as BDM for the South West & Central England.

Meanwhile, the Guildford-based reservations team was bolstered by the arrival of Andy Burt as customer services manager and Verity Lee as river cruise consultant.

AmaWaterways sales, marketing and digital director Jamie Loizou said: “It has been a busy year for AmaWaterways with the introduction of three new ships and the announcement of another due to join the fleet next summer.

“The expansion of our sales team reinforces our commitment to the UK trade and underpins our objective to offer outstanding service and support to our existing travel agent partners, while widening our trade distribution. Maria, with her experience, is perfectly placed to help grow existing business and develop new relationships.”

Ersmarker will report into Jon Knight.

AmaWaterways’ 156-guest AmaKristina will join this year’s CLIA river cruise conference, which takes place from 10-11 November 2019.