US operator Tauck has pledged to raise its trade presence in the UK and Ireland with the return of Tom Dumbrell as national accounts manager.

Dumbrell returns to the role he was originally appointed to in 2020 for the operator of guided land tours, European river cruises and small ship ocean sailings after leaving Swan Hellenic.

Tauck global sales and reservations vice president Steve Spivak hinted at a number of possible events for the coming months in the UK and Ireland.

Spivak said: “We continue to see enormous potential in the UK and Ireland, and as we were just reminded during a series of successful meetings in Australia and New Zealand, there’s simply no substitute for having ‘boots-on-the-ground’ in markets where we’re looking to increase our presence.

“It’s critical that we’re not only delivering the kind of day-to-day support that we know Tom will be providing, but that Tauck’s senior leadership is in tune with the long-term needs of local travel advisors.” 

Tauck has demonstrated its commitment to the UK market prior to the pandemic by establishing a London call centre, printing brochures with prices in pounds and creating a dedicated website for UK consumers.

Spivak added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Tom back to Tauck. 

“Tom will leverage his deep relationships with key accounts and trade organisations throughout the UK and Ireland to advance Tauck’s presence in the market. 

“His wealth of first-hand experience coupled with his extensive industry knowledge will make Tom an incredible asset to our travel partners and advisors in the UK and Ireland as they grow their Tauck business.” 

Dumbrell’s prior positions include serving as a sales director with Belmond in the company’s trains and cruises portfolio as well as roles with APT Cruises & Tours and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.