Aviareps expands cruise division with new global head of cruise
Aviareps has appointed Tom Fecke as its new global head of cruise as it looks to keep up with the “evolving” market
Fecke will oversee the cruise line department of the representation, marketing and communications firm and will be responsible for expanding the company’s service portfolio for operators globally.
He brings more than 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing, and strategic development, having previously held sales and leadership roles at Travelport, Avis Rent a Car, Sabre and RCL Cruises.
The appointment comes as Aviareps looks to grow its cruise representation department, offering market research, travel trade development and PR, sales and marketing activities.
The company cited the cruise industry’s strong global recovery after the pandemic, with passenger levels rising 6.8 per cent in 2023 above those of 2019 across all regions, as the driving force behind the expansion.
Thomas Drechsler, COO tourism at Aviareps, said: “The cruise industry is evolving, and so are the expectations of our partners. We want to be more than a representative; we want to be a strategic partner who understands how to deliver measurable value in each market.
“Tom’s experience on both the cruise operator and association side adds a new dimension to our capabilities, and we are excited to have him lead this next phase of growth.”
Fecke added: “I’m very pleased to join Aviareps at a time when interest in cruising is clearly on the rise again. What drew me to the company is the combination of global presence and strong local expertise.
“It’s a powerful mix for cruise lines looking to grow internationally. My goal is to work closely with our teams and our partners to tailor smart, practical solutions that deliver real results in their target markets.”
