Newmarket Holidays, the escorted tour operator, has recruited a new Head of Transport & Aviation, and a new Head of Cruise & Events, in response to an increase in sales demand and encouraging results in the first half of the year. Rob Kinnersley will take on the Head of Transport and Aviation role, whilst Mel Gambling has been recruited by the company as the new Head of Cruise and Events; both Kinnersley and Gambling bring a wealth of travel experience and fresh perspectives on the industry.

As the travel industry returns to normal, Newmarket Holidays has been on a recruitment drive following a previous pause during the pandemic and these two new senior roles will be pivotal additions to the Product team in enabling the operator to capitalise on the soaring demand.

Nikki Bail, Head of People and Culture, said: “It's been an exciting time at Newmarket Holidays, especially in regards to growing various teams across the company. We've recently welcomed several new faces on board, and this feels like a major step to recovery. As we look towards the future, we're feeling incredibly hopeful about what's to come and how we'll continue to expand and exceed expectations. Hiring both Rob and Mel into the Product Team will help deliver more exciting itineraries to ensure agents can get those all-important sales from the Newmarket Holidays' portfolio.”

Having worked at SAGA Travel for 22 years, along with Jetline Cruise and Secret Escapes, Mel Gambling has a wealth of expertise in travel, specialising in cruising, product, and event operations. Gambling said: “Newmarket Holidays is a fantastic tour operator and I'm grateful to be joining at a time when travel is finally back on track and customers are feeling confident and comfortable to explore the world and fuel their wanderlust again. My goal is to finesse the company's event and cruising programmes, ensuring that our customers are getting the best experience for the best value.”

Rob Kinnersley has over twenty years of extensive experience in supplier negotiations and relations, fourteen of which were spent at Travelopia, as well as purchasing experience in both the ground and aviation divisions of tour operation. Kinnersley said: “Joining Newmarket Holidays is a privilege and I'm eager to bring my knowledge and skillset in creating strategies to support the business' key targets and requirements, while continuing to build strong commercial partnerships with suppliers. Drawing on my connections within the hotel, aviation, and leisure travel industries and my passion for travel, I'm now looking to further grow and elevate the aviation product for Newmarket Holidays and support the Aviation team.”

Newmarket Holidays is currently recruiting for various roles across the company. Anyone interested in joining one of the UK's largest independent specialist tour operators should head to the operator's Careers page to find out more or email recruitment@newmarketholidays.co.uk.

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About Newmarket Holidays

Newmarket Holidays is a multi-award winning, independently owned British tour operator, providing a portfolio of escorted trips, resort-centred stays, and event-focused tours throughout the world. Founded in 1983, Newmarket Holidays has steadily grown and expanded to become one of the UK's leading and most respected travel companies. High standards of customer care and value are integral to Newmarket Holidays' operations and this is reflected in the meticulously-designed tours, from accommodation to on-the-ground experiences.

Offering a vast selection of escorted, air-inclusive tours within the UK, Europe, Americas, India and South-east Asia, Newmarket Holidays also presents a range of ocean and river cruises. Additionally the tour operator is a popular provider of concert and event experiences such as Lapland Santa Experience, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships and performances by classical violinist and orchestra leader André Rieu.

For more details, please contact: E richard@humewhitehead.co.uk T: +44 (0)20 3375 4051