Silversea has appointed a new expeditions sales manager as it seeks to grow partnerships with the UK and Ireland travel trade.

Danny Giles, formerly of Hurtigruten, will report directly to the line’s sales director UK & Ireland, Connie Georgiou.

The moves comes as Silversea prepares for the launch of its new ship, Silver Origin, in the Galapagos in July 2020. The ship is the first in the fleet that has been designed specifically for a destination.

Giles spent nine years at Hurtigruten and has extensive expertise on the key expedition destinations, according to Silversea. He will drive new business and support UK & Ireland sales team with their expedition sales.

Giles replaces Akvile Marozaite following her promotion to expedition operations manager within the Global Expedition team.

Georgiou said: “We are delighted that Danny is joining our team later this month. His experience will be invaluable to support the sales team but also presents a huge opportunity to grow our business in this exciting and much sought after sector.”

Speaking about Silver Origin, Silversea president and CEO Roberto Martinoli recently said: “Our unique, industry-leading offering in the Galapagos Islands is being enhanced further still for the benefit of our guests.

“After admiring endemic species in the wild and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Galapagos – with the guidance of local experts – guests will continue their discovery of this unique destination on board, through regionally inspired cuisine, informative lectures and various other enhancements.”

Silver Origin will follow in the footsteps of the retiring Silver Galapagos by alternating two seven-night itineraries between Isle Baltra and San Cristóbal.