TW editor hails agents at christening of APT’s Estrela
Travel Weekly reporters Porto, Portugal
Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley hailed the publication’s “inspirational” travel agent readers as she named APT’s newest river ship in Porto. Huxley was unveiled as the
godmother of Estrela during Clia’s RiverView Conference in March and joined 50 travel agents on board the 120-passenger vessel for its naming celebrations last week. Speaking to guests at the
christening ceremony, Huxley said: “When I was asked if I would serve as the godmother of this ship, I was immensely honoured and incredibly humbled. “I am always more comfortable
posing questions to others than being the focal point of attention, but I was delighted to accept the honour as the rationale for my selection was my commitment to the travel trade.” She added: “The incredible travel
agent readers of Travel Weekly have played a fundamental part in the growth of this sector, and I know they are at the heart of the APT and Travelmarvel business. Their expertise and service levels continue to inspire me and I will complete my duties today on their behalf.”
APT Travel Group chief
executive David Cox said: “Lucy has long been a champion of travel and we couldn’t be prouder to have her as the godmother of Estrela. “Her enthusiasm for the industry
and genuine warmth reflect the spirit of this ship – one designed to bring people together and showcase the soul of Portugal.” Paul Melinis, APT and
Travelmarvel managing director for the UK and Europe, added: “It has been an honour to welcome esteemed colleagues and valued industry partners to Porto for the christening of the latest addition to our elevated fleet.
Heathrow outlines pathway
to a third runway by 2035 Heathrow has projected a third runway could be operational by 2035 if the government approves detailed proposals for the expansion of the airport and planning permission is granted. The London hub claimed it would demonstrate “tangible benefits” for customers when it provides a business plan for the 2027-31 period to the Civil Aviation Authority this summer.
8 24 APRIL 2025
APT’s David Cox (left) and Paul Melinis with godmother Lucy Huxley
“As a longstanding advocate for
our industry, Lucy made the perfect choice for godmother and to launch Estrela as she embarks on her first full season on the Douro River.” Estrela boasts the largest
swimming pool of any ship on the Douro, as well as a putting green, outdoor bar and restaurant serving Portuguese and Mediterranean dishes. The ship, which has 60 cabins, has
now embarked on its first full season through Portugal’s Douro Valley region. It will sail Travelmarvel’s Douro Discovery cruise, which aims to “showcase the most fascinating
aspects of Portuguese life”. i Special Report, page 10
Tributes paid following death of Solmar Villas’ Julie Blake
Tributes have been paid to Solmar Villas managing director Julie Blake, who died on April 17, aged 47. Blake’s parents John and Maria Tayler set up Solmar Villas more than 30 years ago, and it was acquired by Dertour in 2024. Dertour UK chief executive Francis Torrilla will run the business until a successor is appointed.
Oceania and RSSC unveil joint sales leadership set-up
Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have unveiled a joint structure for their UK and Ireland sales leadership teams. RSSC UK sales vice-president
Paul Beale has been promoted to a newly created dual-branded role as vice-president of sales for the UK and Ireland for both lines. Beale will report to Steve
Odell, who was appointed senior vice-president of international and consumer sales for both Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings luxury brands in March. Oceania UK and Ireland sales
director Louise Craddock and Ed Lang, promoted to RSSC UK and Ireland sales director, will report to Beale. Georgia Lewis has been promoted to RSSC key account manager for the UK. No roles will be lost as part of the changes. A statement said: “The
restructure provides dual-branded strategic leadership, while also maintaining dedicated Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises teams to provide day-to-day support [to agents].” Oceania Allura is due to launch
in July, ahead of Regent’s first new-generation ship Seven Seas Prestige in 2026 and Oceania Cruises’ first Project Quattro ship in 2027.
Paul Beale SPAA forges partnership with
Scottish Chambers of Commerce The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association has teamed up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to “strengthen the voice of the travel industry at home and abroad”. The partnership is focused on key policy concerns including rates relief for high street agencies, rising air passenger duty, the Scottish Apprenticeship Levy and a potential cruise ship tax.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: nvstudio
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