After an exceptional start to the year, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has bolstered its sales team with the appointment of two new Business Development Managers, reporting to Director Field Sales AUS/NZ, Angela Middleton.
Both appointments follow a period of robust growth and outstanding performance for the local NCL business and demonstrate the Company’s commitment to providing first-class support to its valued travel partner community. The Company has also recently promoted Damian Borg to Director of Sales Strategy and Operations for Asia Pacific, and Angela Middleton to Director of Field Sales for AUNZ.
Brad Hanna has been appointed to the newly created role of Business Development Manager for South Australia (and Western Australia from 1 July 2024), reflecting the strength and growth opportunities NCL sees for the SA and WA markets. Aaron Dodkin is the new Business Development Manager for NSW and ACT.
Commenting on her team’s growth, NCL Director Field Sales AUS/NZ Angela Middleton said: “This expansion underlines our commitment to this region and the growing appetite for cruising from the Australian and New Zealand markets. Both Brad and Aaron bring deep travel sector know-how and an innovative mindset to our team and I am confident they will quickly make an impact and add real value to support, engage and grow business with our travel agent partners in NSW, ACT, SA and WA as demand for cruising continues to rise.”
Meet Brad Hanna, BDM for SA & WA
A committed cruise enthusiast who has sailed 21 times, Brad is looking forward to making waves in growing NCL’s cruise business in his home market of SA and in WA by building knowledge of the ‘NCL difference’ among the local travel partner communities.
Brad’s prior industry experience includes working with local and global travel companies, taking to the skies as a member of cabin crew for several airlines, and, more recently, working in a BDM role for a global air charter operator. He describes the travel community as ‘a vibrant, innovative and fun industry full of dedicated, passionate people who share a common love of travel’.
“I’m delighted to join the NCL team at such an inspiring time for the brand and the broader cruise industry and I can’t wait to tap into the growing demand. There really is a cruise for everyone, and multigenerational and group bookings offer a huge growth opportunity for travel partners. You could probably book 14 two-week cruises in the same time it would take to book one 14-night FIT itinerary – so I’m looking forward to help travel partners work smarter, not harder.”
Meet Aaron Dodkin, BDM for NSW & ACT
Aaron brings a wealth of experience to NCL from sectors including hotels, a decade in Dubai with Emirates, and BDM roles locally in Australia with travel and tour companies.
“It’s no secret cruise in Australia is booming and NCL is in a major growth phase. I have had first-hand experience cruising with NCL and am excited to spearhead the brand’s sales efforts in the pivotal NSW & ACT markets. I’m keen to boost awareness of NCL’s unique value proposition and share practical insights with agents to help grow their business,” said Aaron.
For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line email [email protected], visit https://www.ncl.com, contact us in Australia on 1300 255 200, or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283.
