Stephen Batjiaka, Business Development Manager, East Coast. (Photo Credit: VIVA Cruises)
WHY IT RATES: The cruise company is expanding its North American sales team with the addition of two proven industry veterans who are already embracing their new roles.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
VIVA Cruises is growing its North American sales team with the appointments of Stephen Batjiaka as Business Development Manager, East Coast, and Rob Huffman as Business Development Manager, Southeast & Midwest. The two travel industry veterans will focus on strengthening relationships with travel advisors and agency partners in their respective territories as the river cruise line continues to expand its presence in North America. Batjiaka joined the team on Oct. 16, while Huffman’s appointment takes effect today, Oct. 26.
Batjiaka brings more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, with a strong background in business development, sales and travel advisor relationships. Most recently, he spent nearly nine years as Business Development Manager for New England at AmaWaterways, where he grew his territory and built strong relationships with travel advisors and agency partners. Prior to AmaWaterways, he held sales leadership positions with Sceptre Vacations and Brendan Vacations.
“Stephen is a recognized leader in the Northeast, and the established relationships he has built and nurtured with travel advisors across this region, combined with his knowledge of the river cruise market make him the ideal person to lead VIVA Cruises’ growth on the East Coast,” said VIVA Cruises’ Co-Founder and CEO Andrea Kruse.
“I am excited to join VIVA Cruises and introduce my travel advisor partners across the East Coast to a river cruise line that delivers such a relaxed, elegant and truly all-inclusive experience,” said Batjiaka.
Rob Huffman, Business Development Manager, Southeast & Midwest. (Photo Credit: VIVA Cruises)
Huffman brings more than 30 years of experience in the cruise and travel industry. He began his career at Carnival Cruise Line in 1993, spending two decades building and developing his territory before moving into management. Recognizing the growing popularity of river cruising, he joined Viking Cruises in 2012, representing both Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises. Five years later, he was recruited by The Scenic Group, comprising Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Waterways and Scenic Eclipse, where he served in a management role for several years. In 2021, he joined AmaWaterways, most recently serving as Director of Field Sales, USA, overseeing the national field and inside sales teams, including 17 Business Development Managers across the country. He has also held a sales leadership position with AAA Carolinas.
“Rob has an impressive track record of driving revenue growth, building successful sales teams and forging strong industry partnerships,” said Kruse. “With Stephen and Rob joining our team, we are well positioned to strengthen our relationships with travel partners and introduce even more North American travelers to everything VIVA Cruises and VIVA Boutique have to offer."
SOURCE: VIVA Cruises press release.
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