APT & Travelmarvel have added Tara Jerrard to its sales team as business development manager for the south of England

With a background in senior corporate, airline, and agency account management, including Etihad Airways and ACE Travel Management, Jerrard will develop the river cruise, small ship and touring operator’s trade partnerships in the region.

Reporting into Brad Bennetts, head of sales and business development, Jerrard will build on the work already done in the southern sales region to promote the firms’ products to agents.

Day-to-day Jerrard will support APT’s independent retail agency partners, identify new business opportunities, and deliver training and strategic campaigns to agents located in the southern counties of the UK.

Her appointment comes as APT approaches its centenary and Travelmarvel, the company’s premium brand, prepares to launch MS Estrela in August, sailing a journey on Portugal’s Douro River.

APT & Travelmarvel ‘well placed’ to develop trade sales opportunities

“As a proudly trade first operator, we know that having the right sales team in place can be as important to our partners’ success as the quality of our ships and guest experiences,” said Bennetts.

“Combining sales acumen, rich industry experience, and a fresh take on our sector, Tara is well placed to develop business opportunities for agents across the south.”

Jerrard added: “It’s an honour to join APT and to continue the team’s great work. From the outset, it was clear that APT is a company that truly cares about its people and its partners – a culture that I am delighted to now be a part of.

“River cruising, small ship sailing, and touring are booming, and the business potential of these travel styles is enormous.”