Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, continues to invest and expand in key markets with the appointment of Janet Parton to the brand new role of Vice President, Business Development – UK, Europe & Australia.
Parton has a wealth of experience having spent over 20 years in the travel industry working across a number of sectors including cruise, tour operating and retail. She currently chairs the CLIA Specialist Cruise Committee and is a member of the ATAS Trade Engagement Committee. Parton joins from the Globus Family of Brands where she was Sales & Marketing Director for Cosmos and Avalon Waterways as well as part of the Executive Team. Prior to that she was Head of Sales UK & ROI for MSC Cruises.
Within her new role, Parton’s primary focus will be on developing and executing the strategic business development plan for her designated region of responsibility, and ensuring its accurate, effective and efficient implementation in order to support Celestyal’s business growth and profitability. She will also position and build the UK, European and Australian distribution to support the business as a tour provider of multi-destination rich itineraries.
Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, comments: “I am delighted to welcome Janet to Celestyal and am confident that her strong business development and leadership skills, along with a keen commercial sense and a proven track record of leading and motivating high performing teams in the travel sector, will prove invaluable as we continue to broaden our presence in key markets.”
Parton added: “Celestyal is a company with huge ambition and I’m relishing the opportunity to help them achieve their objectives of increasing their presence in key international markets as well as consolidating their position as the leading provider of the award-winning, multi-destination holiday experiences in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.”
About Celestyal
Celestyal has fast built an award-winning reputation and recognition as the number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and East Mediterranean thanks to its regional expertise and exceptional hospitality. The company operates two vessels, each one intimate enough to provide guests with a genuine and highly personalised experience. The foundation of the company’s philosophy is built on a unique Greek heritage which combines outstanding hospitality with genuine cultural destination immersion and provides authentic, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.
Awards
Since 2014, Celestyal has received top honors in the Tourism Awards, one of the largest and most prestigious awards programs within the Greek tourism industry. These include 1 Platinum, 15 Gold, 10 Silver and 9 Bronze awards covering Guest Experience Excellence, Solo Travel, CSR Initiatives, Contribution to National Economy, FAM and Press Trips, Communication Campaign and Multichannel Marketing Campaign.
In December 2022, Celestyal won a Bronze Award at the British Travel Awards in the ‘‘Best Operator for Mini Cruises’’ category and was named one of the top ocean cruise lines for ‘’Best Service’’ at the annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards 2022, an award also received in 2018 and 2019. Ιn 2019 and 2020, Celestyal was recognized for its overall contribution and commitment to the development of the cruise industry in the Eastern Mediterranean region at the MedCruise Awards.
Corporate Responsibility
Celestyal is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. The company actively supports the local communities in the destinations it visits, particularly in the field of education. Additionally, Celestyal supports cultural NGOs to promote youth entrepreneurship, marine student development and child welfare.
ISO Certification
The entire spectrum of Celestyal’s ship management, including technical, hotel and crew management, and offices, are certified in accordance with ISO 9001/14001 standards. The certifying authority is DNV, which is by widely recognized as the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry.
