APT Travelmarvel appoints Michelle Ryan as first Ireland Country Manager

APT Travelmarvel appoints Michelle Ryan as Ireland Country Manager, as the river and small ship cruise operator scales up its trade investment in this key market.

APT is delighted to announce the appointment of Michelle Ryan as its first dedicated Country Manager for Ireland, as part of the company’s strategic plan and investments to expand its presence and grow trade business for its Travelmarvel brand in this integral market. Selling only through the trade in Ireland, Michelle will report into Brad Bennetts, APT & Travelmarvel’s Head of Sales & Business Development, to nurture existing relationships and forge new partnerships with travel agents and retail partners.

Michelle joins at an exciting time for the company. APT has continued to make significant investments into the expansion of its flexible, four-star Travelmarvel brand, adding new vessels, destinations, and travel styles to its portfolio of affordable, high-quality river, yacht and small ship cruises, plus its industry-leading escorted tours and new Small Group Journeys.

With over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, Michelle brings extensive expertise in business development and sales. In her previous role as Sales Development Manager at Royal Caribbean International, Michelle built excellent partnerships with cruise specialists, consortia, and multiples across Ireland, supporting them with effective training, events, marketing, and incentives.

Brad Bennetts said: “After successfully launching Travelmarvel in Ireland over 18 months ago, we are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the role of Ireland Country Manager. Michelle is perfectly positioned to push the brand forward – her contacts and wealth of experience will be invaluable as we continue expanding and investing in Ireland.”

Since Travelmarvel launched in Ireland, business has doubled year-on-year. The market’s strongest sellers include Rhine and Danube river cruising on Travelmarvel’s modern Contemporary River Ships, which are the industry’s only ships to feature an authentic Irish bar onboard; and the Douro in Northern Portugal, driven by the launch of Travelmarvel’s new MS Estrela river ship.

Expressing her enthusiasm about her new role, Michelle Ryan commented: “I’m incredibly excited to join this dynamic company, and to help even more agents in Ireland to capitalise on the outstanding sales opportunity that APT’s Travelmarvel brand offers. I have watched Travelmarvel’s presence grow in Ireland over the last year and am very excited to get onboard with the brand and help establish it further. Working closely with agents, we look forward to sharing our exciting plans; showcasing Travelmarvel’s gold standard fleet, itineraries and service; and developing valued partnerships in the Irish market.”

Michelle’s appointment is part of APT’s strategy to increase market share in Ireland for its Travelmarvel brand. Putting the operator’s significant investment into trade activity and tactical campaigns to work, Michelle will be responsible for delivering joint marketing initiatives, in-store support, and exclusive training and development opportunities to help travel agents confidently promote and sell Travelmarvel’s in-demand cruises. Plans are underway to offer dedicated fam trips for Irish agents in 2025, giving more partners the chance to experience the company’s cruises

first-hand.

In addition to growing sales of Travelmarvel’s top selling European river cruises, Michelle will work with agents to help them capitalise on the commercial opportunities that Travelmarvel’s newest products have to offer. The brand has been undergoing a wide-scale elevation of its fleet and creating new ways to travel, including the custom-built MS Estrela, and a collection of Small Ship Cruise itineraries, taking guests to the heart of fresh new European destinations in 2025, aboard the elegant Caledonian Sky.

Agents can find more information about APT Travelmarvel at www.aptouring.ie.