Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has just announced two promotions within its team: Damian Borg is now Director of Sales Strategy and Operations for Asia Pacific, while Angela Middleton has taken on the role of Director of Field Sales for Australia/New Zealand.
“The first quarter of this year saw some of the strongest ever consumer demand for cruise, and we are delighted with such a strong start to 2024, surpassing last year’s bookings during the same time period,” said Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director, APAC, of NCL.
“This is greatly attributed to our incredible team and strong trade partnerships capitalising on the rise in cruise demand and NCL’s extensive product offering around the world. With Damian and Angela now taking on expanded roles within organisation, I am confident we will achieve continued success in meeting and exceeding the needs of trade partners and customers across Asia Pacific.”
As part of his expanded role, Borg will provide strategic direction to the NCL sales team in Asia, supporting Ben Angel, Vice President and Managing Director of NCL APAC in spearheading strong growth in the region. In addition, Borg now oversees the business’ sales operations in the entire APAC region.
“The trade community has always been at the centre of our success, and in my new role, I am looking forward to supporting Ben in identifying opportunities to strengthen our relationships in Asia and ensuring we are leading the way in how we support and engage travel partners,” said Borg.
“Bookings for our Asia itineraries have been a particular stand out this year, and we continue to see great potential in the region with four ships sailing from nine different departure ports in Asia through 2026. I look forward to working more closely with the local team, while also continuing to support the AU/NZ sales organisation.”
Meanwhile, Middleton’s new role, which was announced earlier this year, will involve further strengthening relationships and support for trade distribution, as well as nurturing career development amongst the field sales team. At the moment, two roles are currently being recruited – a new dedicated field sales role covering SA/WA and a business development manager overseeing NSW/ACT.
According to NCL, the local sales organisation has grown by 40% since 2019.
“I am looking forward to empowering our dedicated and extremely talented field sales team to innovate how we can continue to be great partners to the trade community and continue the strong momentum of 2024,” said Middleton. We want to be the easiest supplier our travel partners do business with, so they can focus on being a great support for their clients from the start of their cruise journey.”
