Azamara Cruises, the luxury boutique cruise line that’s most famous for Destination Immersion experiences, has bolstered its Australia and New Zealand sales team recently through two pivotal appointments. Announced in mid-2025, this follows a period of unparalleled growth and success for the company in the region, where it has experienced increasing demand for its Destination Immersion experiences.

This sales team increase will boost Australian and New Zealand competitive cruise market presence for Azamara and offer further personalized assistance and increased involvement with the region’s travel trade. Justin Southern and Fran Gildon, seasoned individuals with long-career histories in the travel industry, will assume key business development positions for Australia and New Zealand, respectively.

Recognizing Outstanding Achievements at the Azamara Global Sales Conference

The announcement of Southern and Gildon’s appointments comes on the heels of a celebratory moment for Azamara at the Azamara Global Sales Conference held in Miami. The Australia/New Zealand sales division was honored as the Top International Sales Team, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team over the past year.

In addition to this accolade, individual performances were also recognized. Shannon Morgan, one of Azamara’s top-performing sales representatives, was named Top International Salesperson. Georgia Bell received the Top International Sales Support award for her outstanding contributions to the team’s success. These awards underscore the exceptional performance and customer service excellence that have become synonymous with Azamara’s brand.

Justin Southern: A Veteran of the Travel Industry

The appointment of Justin Southern as the new Business Development Manager for Australia marks a strategic shift in Azamara’s approach to the Australian market. Southern brings over 30 years of experience to the role, with a career that spans across various iconic travel brands. His previous roles include leadership positions at BIG4 Holiday Parks Australia, Virgin Voyages, and Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic.

Southern’s expertise in crafting unforgettable travel experiences aligns perfectly with Azamara’s mission of offering immersive, destination-focused itineraries that allow guests to truly explore the essence of each destination. His deep passion for travel, combined with his extensive knowledge of the Australian tourism landscape, will be instrumental in furthering Azamara’s growth in the region.

Fran Gildon: Driving Innovation in Sales for New South Wales and New Zealand

Fran Gildon’s appointment as Business Development Manager for New South Wales and New Zealand further strengthens Azamara’s ability to tap into the dynamic travel markets of these regions. Gildon is renowned for her innovation in sales and business development, having worked with several leading travel brands such as Collette and Uniworld River Cruises.

Known for her ability to drive growth and cultivate strong industry relationships, Gildon’s appointment reflects Azamara’s commitment to building lasting partnerships within the travel community. Her passion for immersive and unique travel experiences makes her an ideal fit for the role, as she brings fresh energy and new ideas to an already successful team. Her work will help cement Azamara’s reputation as a leader in the cruise industry, especially in the ever-evolving Australian and New Zealand markets.

Continued Commitment to Exceptional Service

In addition to these high-level appointments, Azamara’s commitment to providing outstanding service to the Australian and New Zealand markets remains unwavering. The local Australian call center team of 10 is another vital component of the company’s strategy, ensuring that all trade partners receive the necessary support to offer seamless booking and customer service experiences. This team plays an essential role in fostering collaboration and providing assistance to the industry, ensuring that every client’s needs are met promptly and effectively.

Azamara’s Australia and New Zealand division continues to be a significant driver of success for the company. These appointments and the continued expansion of its local presence reinforce Azamara’s long-term vision of becoming the preferred choice for travelers seeking destination-focused cruises.

A Bright Future for Azamara in Australia and New Zealand

The appointments of Justin Southern and Fran Gildon signal a new period of excitement for Azamara Cruises in Australia and New Zealand. Already with an award-winning team and expansion plan in motion, the region will now see Azamara further cement itself in the region’s competitive cruise market. By continuing to offer unparalleled travel experiences through Destination Immersion, appointments such as this will further ensure that Azamara meets growing demand for immersive experiences that offer deeper connection to cultures.

Victoria Chigwidden, Australian and New Zealand regional Director of Sales for Azamara, congratulated the team and looked to the future, stating she was massively proud of what the Australian team had achieved and was delighted to induct Justin and Fran as they provide extra support for the trade.

With its focus on immersive travel, unparalleled service, and fostering long-term industry relationships, the future continues to look good for Azamara Cruises in the Australian and New Zealand marketplace, offering consumers unparalleled experiences at sea.

References: Australian Tourism Website, New Zealand Tourism Website, Azamara Official Website

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