THE PULSE: Hurtigruten names experienced tour executive Gordon Dirker as its first-ever managing director in the U.S.

WHY IT RATES: The appointment follows the opening of a Seattle call center and further shows that the Norway cruise specialist is serious about expanding its reach in the U.S. - Theresa Masek, TravelPulse cruise editor

Hurtigruten’s Chief Commercial Officer, Magnus Wrahme, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gordon Dirker as Managing Director for North America.

 “Gordon comes with a wealth of experience that will enable Hurtigruten to substantially grow our business in North America,” said Wrahme.

In his capacity as managing director, Dirker will oversee all North American operations — directing sales, marketing, call center and product development, as well as relationships with outside vendors and partners. His hiring is another step in a series of moves the Hurtigruten has initiated this year: expanding its strategic relationship with sales and marketing firm Global Voyages Group, adding numerous regional sales positions to further support the customers, and moving its reservation call center to the U.S. from Norway to offer easier contact and response.

Gordon Dirker brings an extensive background in travel sales and marketing to his new role at Hurtigruten. Prior to joining the team, Gordon spent 18 years in progressively responsible roles with TravCorp, a leading travel and leisure group operating 24-award winning brands in more than 60 countries.

Most recently, he was director of sales for Travcorp’s Brendan Vacations. Prior to this role, Gordon lead sales efforts for Travcorp’s Contiki Holidays as sales director - UK/Europe, a niche product focused on young adult travelers. Educated in the Netherlands, Gordon is fluent in four languages and has traveled throughout much of the world.

“I am thoroughly impressed with Hurtigruten’s award-winning products, its unique 121-year history and its ongoing efforts to expand significantly in North America,” stated Dirker. “Booking trends prove that Hurtigruten is perfectly positioned for a market in which travelers have become much more sophisticated. Travelers continue to look for “more authentic” so being part of a company that provides great quality, truly immersive unique cruising and travel options to some of the worlds’ most amazing yet only partially explored destinations is therefore very exciting.”    

Hurtigruten is a world leader in polar waters and destinations, sailing to the most remote of destinations, including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring and fall.  The company’s fleet of 12 intimate ships, which each carry 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and culture of the destination in a relaxed atmosphere.

SOURCE: Hurtigruten press release

Additional information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly website, www.hurtigruten.us; by phone at 877-301-3117; or fax at 888-524-2145.  To order brochures 24 hours a day, call 800-582-0835.