Newmarket Holidays has appointed Claire Hodgkin (pictured right) to the newly-created role of Business Development Manager for the South-West of England and South Wales as part of the operator’s expansion of its Trade Sales team. Hodgkin will report into Head of Trade Sales, Richard Forde, and her appointment follows a period of encouraging sales for the escorted tour specialist, which launched a brand refresh earlier this week.

Hodgkin brings a wealth of experience to the on-the-road Trade Sales team, having previously held both Regional Sales Manager and Trade Sales Executive roles at SAGA Holidays as well as enjoying previous tenures at Thomas Cook, Sainsbury’s Bank and Travelex, the foreign exchange company. She returns to the travel industry after a two and a half year hiatus and her experience includes 16 years in retail sales and customer service as well as 13 years in management roles.

Commenting on her appointment, Hodgkin said: “I am over the moon to be returning to the travel industry, which I have always loved, and cannot wait to see my agent partners in the South West once more.”

The creation of the new Trade Sales team role will bring the Newmarket Holidays’ on-the-road team to six, with Amy Burt also returning to the company from maternity leave to cover both Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Richard Forde, Head of Trade Sales, remarks on Claire’s return to the travel industry: “Newmarket Holidays is delighted to welcome Claire back into the industry she loves after she had time away during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is not only good news for us, but it’s good to see expertise returning to the industry. Her vast experience and industry knowledge are a wonderful addition to the already strong team and with Amy returning full time too, this puts us in an even better position to help service our agent partners.”

The news of Hodgkin’s return to the travel sector has also gone down well with the agents in her region, with Mandy Shilito, Managing Director of Miles Morgan Travel, commenting: “We’re delighted that Claire is returning to the industry and will be working with us again in the South West.”

Newmarket Holidays is currently recruiting for various roles across the company. Anyone interested in joining one of the UK’s largest independent specialist tour operators should head to the operator’s Careers page to find out more or email recruitment@newmarketholidays.co.uk.

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About Newmarket Holidays

Newmarket Holidays is a multi-award winning, independently owned British tour operator, providing a portfolio of escorted trips, resort-centred stays, and event-focused tours throughout the world. Founded in 1983, Newmarket Holidays has steadily grown and expanded to become one of the UK’s leading and most respected travel companies. High standards of customer care and value are integral to Newmarket Holidays’ operations and this is reflected in the meticulously-designed tours, from accommodation to on-the-ground experiences. 

Offering a vast selection of escorted, air-inclusive tours within the UK, Europe, Americas, India and South-east Asia, Newmarket Holidays also presents a range of ocean and river cruises. Additionally the tour operator is a popular provider of concert and event experiences such as Lapland Santa Experience, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships and performances by classical violinist and orchestra leader André Rieu.

For more details, please contact:

E: Dan@humewhitehead.co.uk T: +44 (0)7429 256 670
E: Laura@humewhitehead.co.uk T: 0203 375 4056