MSC Cruises to strengthen trade ties Samantha Mayling


MSC Cruises bosses say agents are in prime position to tap into growth “for the next 10 years”, with particular opportunities in the fly-cruise market and with more ex-UK departures in future seasons. Antonio Paradiso, vice-president


of international sales, made the pledge during a Travel Weekly webcast alongside ex-P&O Cruises sales chief Rob Scott, who has joined MSC as senior advisor of guest experiences and growth strategy for the UK & Ireland. Scott said he was “thrilled” to


be joining at a period of “massive expansion” for the company, which has 10 new ships due to launch in the next decade.


ship, MSC World Asia, debuting this December, ahead of MSC World Atlantic’s scheduled arrival in November 2027. Paradiso said there would be


Antonio Paradiso and Rob Scott


Watch the webcast at travelweekly.co.uk


He also pledged his commitment


to improving trade relations “through training and frontline interaction”, adding: “I have always been a staunch supporter of the trade.” MSC Cruises has committed to


hosting 200 UK and Ireland agents on board its newest World Class


New-look leadership team at Kuoni after director departures


Robin Murray


Kuoni has implemented a new sales structure and revamped leadership team following a six-month handover period with outgoing directors, as it continues with plans to reduce its high street footprint to 14 standalone stores. The restructure includes the


departure of retail director Donna Hynes, who officially left the tour operator on June 30, following the exit of sales and operations director Darren Grahame-Betts in December. Hynes’ responsibilities have


been absorbed by Caroline Child, who has stepped up from her


6 16 JULY 2026


previous role as marketing director into the expanded position of sales and marketing director. In her new capacity, Child


assumes full control of all sales channels, including oversight of the retail network. During her two and a half years


with Kuoni, Hynes was credited with strengthening the retail leadership team and creating new development opportunities for colleagues across the network. Kuoni managing director


Mark Duguid confirmed that the restructured leadership team is now active as he emphasised the changes were part of a long-


planned strategy and are separate to ongoing consultations regarding the high street network. “Ultimately it was a leadership


team restructure. We’re midway through consultations, so it’s unconnected to any current discussions that we’re having with any team members,” said Duguid. He added: “I’d like to thank Donna


for her contribution to Kuoni over the past two and a half years and for the professionalism and commitment she showed in leading the retail team through this period of transition.” The realignment follows


another high-profile departure at parent company Dertour UK last


many more opportunities for agents to engage with the line. “There is an opportunity for us to


increase the number of sailings from the UK, so over the next few years you will again see us adding more opportunities for travel agents,” he said. “We [also] continue to develop the fly-cruise business, which is critical to our success, because we are seeing year after year more Brits travelling to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or Alaska. “I still see growth for the next 10 years, so we want to make sure that


we are ready to support that growth. Knowledge is power, so the more we can share, the more successful we will be.” Scott said there was “always


opportunity to work more closely” with specific agents, while Paradiso hailed trade support during recent “uncertain periods”. The line reported “very strong”


sales for May and June and a “huge spike” in winter 2026-27 bookings from Southampton after the launch of its Best Holiday Commitment. Scott said: “I am looking


forward to delivering more unique experiences for UK and Ireland guests and bringing my creative energy to ensure that the brand vision is delivered.”


Inset: Caroline Child


month, which saw communications director Rachel O’Reilly leave the business after 12 years. As part of the separate estate


consultations, Kuoni is finalising its exit from its John Lewis concessions, cutting its shop count from 25 to 14 across UK shopping centres and high streets by the end of September. Duguid insisted the new


leadership structure remains fully committed to physical retail, despite the reduction in stores and a lack of plans for future estate expansion. He added: “We’re very committed


to the stores we have. Ultimately, it’s about right-sizing the network, but we’ve no plans for retail expansion.”


travelweekly.co.uk


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