Antonio Paradiso Vice President of International Sales for MSC Group’s Division meets Don Shearer (MD Travelbiz and Travelfinders)

It was easy to understand why Antonio Looked so happy when meeting Don Shearer shortly after the annual ITAA travel industry awards where MSC cruises picked up two major awards in the cruise sector for best mainstream cruise line and best cruise trade team. Antonio made specific reference to the Irish team of Suzanne Rowe (Head of Ireland), Alana Byrne (Regional Sales Manager Ireland) and Erica Oglesby (MSC Ireland Sales Support Executive) for doing such an incredible job in Ireland.

“Ireland is now the second biggest market for MSC out of the 85 countries we actively market from in terms of growth and market share which is an incredible achievement”, said Antonio.

“With 2024 sales already 40% ahead year on year, January and February to date, booking wise for MSC, has broken all records and has been their best start to a year in the Irish market. Ireland is also in the top three globally in relation to spend of cruise clients worldwide with MSC and we are also recording one of the highest cruise penetration ratios across all markets. MSC’s spread of business in Ireland has grown dramatically with trade support testament to the hard work done by Suzanne Alana and Erica servicing the Irish travel trade”.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank our valued trade partners in Ireland for your amazing support making us the number one Cruise Partner in Ireland. We value your continued support and we are thrilled with the “new to cruise” partners we welcome to our community every week. The future looks bright for the Cruise sector in Ireland with penetration levels continuing to grow as we deliver more innovative and groundbreaking product to the marketplace. We will continue to support and enable you all to grow your business with us in Ireland as we celebrate a great start to 2024”.

Antonio has just recently been appointed as Vice President of International Sales for MSC Group’s Cruise Division in recognition of the continued growth and success of the UK and Irish market. This newly created headquarters role sees Antonio reporting to Gianni Onorato (CEO MSC Cruises), assuming responsibility for Australia, South Africa and Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland) for MSC Cruises and he will also continue to serve as Managing Director of the UK and Irish Markets for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.

Travelbiz Will bring you more on MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys over the coming weeks so stay tuned for more.