In yet another sign of the strength of the cruise sector, Norwegian Cruise Line has appointed two new Business Development Managers.
Brad Hanna (right) takes on the newly created role of Business Development Manager for South Australia and Western Australia, while Aaron Dodkin (left) is the new Business Development Manager for New South Wales and ACT.
Norwegian Cruise Line Director Field Sales, Angela Middleton, says the move comes after “an exceptional start to the year”.
“Both appointments follow a period of robust growth and outstanding performance for the local NCL business and demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing first-class support to its valued travel partner community.”
Middleton says this expansion underlines its commitment to this region and the growing appetite for cruising from the Australian and New Zealand markets.
“Both Brad and Aaron bring deep travel sector know-how and an innovative mindset to our team, and I am confident they will quickly make an impact and add real value to support, engage and grow business with our travel agent partners in NSW, ACT, SA and WA as demand for cruising continues to rise.”
A committed cruise enthusiast who has sailed 21 times, Hanna has worked with local and global travel companies, as cabin crew for several airlines, and in a BDM role for a global air charter operator.
He says he’s looking forward to building knowledge of the NCL difference among the local travel partner communities.
“I’m delighted to join the NCL team at such an inspiring time for the brand and the broader cruise industry, and I can’t wait to tap into the growing demand.
“There really is a cruise for everyone, and multigenerational and group bookings offer a huge growth opportunity for travel partners. You could probably book 14, two-week cruises at the same time it would take to book one 14-night FIT itinerary – so I’m looking forward to help travel partners work smarter, not harder.”
Dodkin, who takes on the NSW and ACT role, spent a decade in Dubai with Emirates, and has held BDM roles with travel and tour companies across Australia.
He says after cruising with NCL personally, he’s “excited to spearhead the brand’s sales efforts in the pivotal NSW & ACT markets”.
“I’m keen to boost awareness of NCL’s unique value proposition and share practical insights with agents to help grow their business.”
The company also recently promoted Damian Borg to Director of Sales Strategy and Operations for Asia Pacific, and Angela Middleton to Director of Field Sales for AU/NZ.
For more information, visit Norwegian Cruise Line.
