Celestyal has appointed leading Australian travel representation company Ascend Travel Group to manage trade marketing services in Australia.

The move comes as Celestyal embarks on an ambitious three-year growth strategy including an expansion into the Arabian Gulf, which will see both ships cruising year-round for the first time, and a focus on new key markets such as Australia.

Ascend Travel Group directors Julie Primmer and Lynda Wallace will work alongside Celestyal Australian business development manager Mary Williams on strategic sales, marketing, training, and support services in the local market.

Celestyal vice president business development Janet Parton said: “We are looking forward to having Ascend Travel Group onboard as we navigate a period of aggressive growth and look to broaden our reach and exposure in Australia, which is a key growth market. We are embarking on this new partnership at an exciting time for Celestyal, with the arrival of Celestyal Journey in the Arabian Gulf this month marking our first year-round deployment and representing a 30 per cent increase in capacity from 2023-24. With both ships set to sail year-round next year, we have ambitious plans to double Australian bookings and with the majority of our business coming via trade channels, our travel agent partners are critical to our success. We are confident that Ascend Travel Group offers the right mix of experience and skills to propel us forward during this time and help us achieve this target”.

Ascend Travel Group director Lynda Wallace said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed as the official representation company for Celestyal in Australia. This partnership marks a significant step forward in expanding Celestyal’s presence in the Australian market, opening the door for more travel agents to introduce their clients to Celestyal’s Aegean, Adriatic and Arabian itineraries and experience the rich culture and beauty of these regions in a uniquely Celestyal way”.

Ascend Travel group director Julie Primmer added: “As part of this partnership, we will work closely with the travel trade across Australia to promote Celestyal’s award-winning cruises, which include everything from island-hopping adventures to immersive cultural experiences. We will also provide training, support, and marketing resources to ensure agents have the tools they need to promote Celestyal to their clients effectively”.

Following the departure of Celestyal Regional Manager Stewart Williams this month, Ascend Travel Group will commence on November 18, 2024.

For more information visit the Celestyal trade portal, contact a local Celestyal business development representative or call 1800 648 737.

Feature image: Lynda Wallace (Ascend Travel Group), Janet Parton (Celestyal), Julie Primmer (Ascend Travel Group)