Gary Peters, Editor
Gary is an experienced cruise journalist and editor who has been at the helm of Cruise Trade News since 2019. In that time, the brand has focused on investigative journalism and long-form feature content. Gary has also overseen the launch of new digital publications. Prior to joining Cruise Trade News – initially as deputy editor in 2018 – Gary worked in music and sport journalism, and as a senior editor for B2B magazines in the transport and environment sectors.
Will Payne, Deputy Editor
Will is an experienced journalist with a passion for cruise and travel writing. Having graduated from the University of Portsmouth with first class honours in journalism, Will began his career as a local reporter with KM Media Group before landing his first role as a travel trade journalist in 2021. Since then, Will has honed his news gathering and investigatory skills with additional training courses while developing his feature and analysis writing.
Lucy Abbott, Content Writer
Lucy Abbott is a journalism graduate who has a passion for writing and travel. Throughout her time at university, she was actively engaged in the journalism community. Prior to joining Real Response Media, Lucy was the online editor for a section of the student newspaper, where she managed writers, published articles, and also drove social media engagement across a number of platforms.
Phil Couzens, Art Director
Phil started his career designing DVD and PSP covers for Sony and Universal Pictures before moving to Japan where he worked on Metropolis magazine, Japan’s number one English lifestyle publication. After six years he returned to London to freelance for The Guardian Group, before working as art director at Zest Media. At Real Response Media he leads on all elements of design work.
Lina Slater, Chief Operating Officer
Lina started her travel career at lastminute.com, working her way up to head of European Partnerships across seven markets and growing and building new partnerships to drive growth. With a huge passion for digital and technology, she then moved to Travel Supermarket, prior to joining Cruise Trade News. As COO, Lina leads the sales and commercial team to grow the digital and print propositions.
David Broad, Cruise Manager
David has been in the travel industry for more than 20 years, with 15 of those focusing on the cruise sector. Prior to joining Cruise Trade News, David worked in sales for a well-known cruise website, before a stint with a tour operator looking after travel agents across the UK. At Cruise Trade News, David leads the Cruise Challenge events and engagement with travel agents.
Tracy Clenshaw, Commercial Director
Tracy started her cruise career working for one of the world’s largest cruise lines, before moving to a cruise online travel agent as marketing manager, progressing to commercial director. Tracy has a proven track record of delivering commercial results and maintaining and nurturing strong partnerships with cruise line partners.