Explora Journeys has strengthened its UK and Europe commercial team with seven new appointments.

The move will ensure it can work “effectively with its travel partners to maximise commercial opportunities”, Explora Journeys said.

Former Quark Expeditions business development manager Andrew Schweitzer joins as UK and Ireland business relationship lead, based in London, while Natalie Dorrington, formerly with The Cruise Portfolio as marketing manager, takes up the position of global trade marketing expert, again in London.

Former Crystal Cruises director of sales international Suzanne Kochen will be based in Amsterdam as head of sales for northern Europe. The southern Europe head of sales role, meanwhile, has been filled by Paul Potrykus, who was previously Rosewood Hotels & Resorts director of global sales.

In addition, ex-Seabourn and Holland America Line sales representative Daniel Zink has been appointed as business relationship lead DACH, based in Cologne.

Former Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea key account manager and regional sales manager Gabriele Cornalba has joined Explora in a business relationship lead position, and Sophia Weiss, a former Royal Caribbean sales admin executive, comes in as sales excellence specialist.

Explora Journeys’ ‘unwavering commitment’ to agents

Explora Journeys chief sales officer Chris Austin said: “All these new appointments in our commercial team have deep luxury hospitality experience, are very well known, highly respected and have an unwavering commitment to the luxury travel advisor community.

“They are passionate and proactive consultative sellers, highly responsive to any advisor request, and are totally focused on mutual success.”

Earlier in May, Explora Journeys unveiled two new group programmes for travel agents to “protect the health and longevity of the travel advisor community”, added Austin.