Celestyal Cruises has expanded its UK & Ireland sales team with the appointment of a new business development manager.

Emma Paxton has been hired by the cruise line to take on the role of business development manager for Northern England, Scotland and Ireland.

Paxton has over 30 years’ experience within the travel industry, having previously worked as a regional sales manager and sales and brand trainer at Royal Caribbean.

Prior to her five years with Royal Caribbean, Paxton was head of retail at SeaWorld Parks & Resorts, Sales Manager at Universal Parks & Resorts and team manager and holiday rep in Ibiza for Tui.

She has also worked as a travel industry in Glasgow, working in both the leisure and business sectors.

In her new role at Celestyal Cruises, Paxton will work alongside UK & Ireland country manager Jo Reid, commercial assistant Penny Moschidou and Rebecca Witte – marketing executive for Western and Northern Europe. She will report into Reid.

Paxton’s new role at Celestyal is is to develop these key regions by identifying and converting opportunities for new business within existing accounts as well as developing new distribution channels.

Celestyal Cruises chief commercial officer, Leslie Peden, said:

“While Covid-19 has brought a temporary pause to our operations, it is important that we look to the future with optimism and continue to deliver on our strategic plan to grow the business and enhance the award-winning Celestyal experience through investment.

“Emma’s appointment clearly demonstrates our continued commitment, not only to growing the business, but to investing in the UK and Ireland and supporting our agent partners in Northern England, Scotland and Ireland.

“I’m delighted to welcome Emma onboard and am confident that her vast experience, energy and passion for the travel industry will prove invaluable.”

Celestyal Cruises will resume activity in the Greek Islands and Mediterranean on 6 March 2021.