HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the founders of expedition cruising, have announced the appointment of Hayley Van Der Steen and Sophie Nelson as Trade Partnership Managers, alongside Megan Lewis, Inside Sales Executive. The new hires bring expansive cruise and travel experience with them, and marks HX’s commitment to strengthening relationships with trade partners ensuring they have all the support they need.
As the experts in expedition cruising and mindful adventure, these appointments focus on propelling HX’s trade partners to new heights and collectively driving demand for the growing expedition cruise market. HX’s trade partnership managers and inside sales team are central to this success, providing crucial support to agents in growing their HX business.
With 20 years’ experience in the travel and hospitality sector, including business development roles and first-hand experience onboard cruise ships as a Senior Officer leading sales and loyalty, Hayley is a familiar face to trade partners and brings a wealth of knowledge as well a strong network of trade contacts with her to HX.
Recently becoming part of the ITT Board of Directors, Sophie has experience in key business roles, driving revenue and managing relationships with major partners, including travel agents and tour operators across the UK and European markets. Starting her career as a travel and partnership coordinator, Sophie’s passion for travel has seen her recognised as ‘one to watch’, having won and been shortlisted for several awards including the AWTE Rising Star in 2019, and most recently named in TTG’s prestigious 30 Under 30.
As Trade Partnership Managers, Sophie and Hayley will be managing everything with the travel agency partners, from commercial and marketing, to system integration, product knowledge and training. Their focus will be ensuring agents are equipped to increase their expedition cruise business with HX.
The appointment of Megan as HX’s Inside Sales Executive brings additional sales support to trade partners, ensuring they receive the help they need and experience effortless business with HX. She will be facilitating front line incentives, as well as organising ship visits and FAM trips for trade agents. Megan joins HX with over six years’ experience in the cruise industry, having worked across both the UK and EMEA markets, as well as regional sales teams in sales, marketing and business development.
Nathaniel Sherborne, VP of Sales and Marketing UK and Nordics, HX said; “The expansion of our team is a pivotal moment for us at HX, marking a long-term investment in strengthening our partnerships with the travel trade. Our travel agent partners are an integral part of our business, and we are unwavering in our commitment to them. Whether that be through training, marketing assistance or in-depth product education, we will be supporting them with the tools they need to promote HX and expand their expedition cruise business.
“We welcome Hayley, Sophie and Megan, and are excited to have three seasoned professionals with extensive experience at market-leading brands join us, and solely focus on supporting our trade partners.”
For more information about HX and its immersive expedition cruises, please visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.
