Tom Fecke appointed as Global Head of Cruise by Aviareps
Aviareps, an international representation, marketing and communications company for aviation, tourism, hospitality and food and beverage brands, has announced the appointment of Tom Fecke as Global Head of Cruise.
In a press statement, Aviareps says that Fecke joined the company on June 1 and he will oversee Aviareps’ cruise line department and spearhead the expansion of its service portfolio for cruise lines worldwide.
The statement adds that bringing more than 25 years of experience in the travel and cruise industry, Fecke is recognised for his expertise in sales, marketing and strategic development.
Aviareps says that his previous roles include key sales and leadership positions at Travelport, Avis Rent a Car, Sabre and RCL Cruises. He also served as Secretary General of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Brussels, where he advocated for the interests of the European cruise sector.
According to the statement, in 2023, global passenger numbers rose 6.8 pc above 2019 levels, signalling renewed demand across all regions. The industry’s momentum is expected to continue, with the global cruise market valued at USD 8.9 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 18.4 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 12.9 pc between 2025 and 2030.
Thomas Drechsler
“The cruise industry is evolving, and so are the expectations of our partners. We want to be more than a representative; we want to be a strategic partner who understands how to deliver measurable value in each market. Tom’s experience on both the cruise operator and association side adds a new dimension to our capabilities, and we are excited to have him lead this next phase of growth,” says Thomas Drechsler, COO Tourism at Aviareps.
“I am very pleased to join Aviareps at a time when interest in cruising is clearly on the rise again. What drew me to the company is the combination of global presence and strong local expertise. It is a powerful mix for cruise lines looking to grow internationally. My goal is to work closely with our teams and our partners to tailor smart, practical solutions that deliver real results in their target markets,” says Tom Fecke, Global Head of Cruise at Aviareps.