Celestyal has tapped Ascend Travel Group to manage its Australian trade sales, marketing, training and support services as the Athens-based, boutique cruise line focuses on growing its strategic presence in key new markets, including Australia.
Ascend Travel Group Directors Julie Primmer and Lynda Wallace will work alongside Celestyal’s Australian BDM Mary Williams.
The appointment follows Celestyal Regional Manager Stewart Williams’ departure this month with Ascend Travel Group commencing on 18 November 2024.
After a recent visit to Sydney for Cruise360, Celestyal Vice President Business Development Janet Parton said: “We are looking forward to having Ascend Travel Group on board as we navigate a period of aggressive growth and look to broaden our reach and exposure in Australia, a key growth market.”
“We are embarking on this new partnership at an exciting time with the arrival of Celestyal Journey in the Arabian Gulf this month marking our first year-round deployment and representing a 30 per cent increase in capacity from 2023-24.
“We have ambitious plans to double Australian bookings and with the majority of our business coming via trade channels, our travel agent partners are critical to our success. We are confident Ascend Travel Group offers the right mix of experience and skills to propel us forward during this time and help us achieve this target,” she said.
Co-Director Lynda Wallace said: “This partnership marks a significant step forward in expanding Celestyal’s presence in the Australian market, opening the door for more travel agents to introduce their clients to its Aegean, Adriatic and Arabian itineraries and experience these regions in a uniquely Celestyal way.”
Co-Director Julie Primmer added: “As part of this partnership, we will work closely with the travel trade across Australia to promote Celestyal’s award-winning cruises. We will also provide training, support and marketing resources to ensure agents have the tools they need to promote Celestyal to their clients effectively.”
Find out more via the Wave Portal at trade.celestyal.com
