Calabasas, CA - (Jul. 27, 2016) -
AmaWaterways today announced the appointment of travel industry veteran Jerre Fuqua, who joins the company in the newly created post of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Effective September 6, 2016, Fuqua will begin implementation of a strategic vision, bringing together the company’s strategic and tactical marketing teams in ways that will optimize communications across all media channels. He will place a special focus on the travel trade and work closely with AmaWaterways’ valued sales partners around the globe.
“We are pleased to have Jerre join our AmaWaterways’ family,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “We created this business with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to developing and delivering the industry’s best guest experience. Jerre understands and shares our vision and will be a valuable part of our continued growth.”
AmaWaterways offers award-winning river cruises around the world, including Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. The company has received numerous honors and accolades over the years, including Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick Award. The company also claimed the top ten spots out of 310 river cruise ships in the 2016 edition of Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe.
“I have long admired the AmaWaterways brand and the passionate work of its founders,” said Fuqua. “AmaWaterways is celebrated at the highest level and consistently recognized for their innovation, incredible service delivery and unwavering support for their sales partners. It is an honor to become a part of this family and add my expertise to the next phase of the company’s development.”
Over the last ten years, Fuqua led a number of best-in-class brands for parent company TUI Group including roles as President for three brands, Travcoa, YMT Vacations and TCS Expeditions. During that time, he also managed a portfolio of specialist brands including Intrav, International Expeditions, Country Walkers and Caradonna Dive Vacations. In common with Jimmy Murphy, the late co-founder and Chairman of AmaWaterways and founder of Brendan Vacations, Fuqua also served as Chairman of the United States Tour Operators Association from 2013-2015. Both were contributors to the organization’s advocacy on behalf of its members and the travel trade.
“Jerre has a rich background in luxury travel, tour operation, and expedition cruising and will help solidify AmaWaterways’ service promises to both our guests and our partners. River cruising is the fastest growing segment in cruising and we are incredibly excited about our future,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner.
For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact a travel professional, visit www.AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626-0126. Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmaWaterways and Twitter @AmaWaterways.