AVIAREPS, the world’s leading international representation, marketing, and communications company for aviation, tourism, hospitality, and food & beverage brands, has announced the strategic appointment of Tom Fecke as its new Global Head of Cruise. This move comes as part of AVIAREPS’ ambitious plans to expand its cruise line services and strengthen its position as a global player in the cruise tourism sector.
With over 25 years of experience in the travel and cruise industry, Tom Fecke brings a wealth of expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic development. His impressive career spans leadership roles at Travelport, Avis Rent a Car, Sabre, and RCL Cruises. He also served as Secretary General of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Brussels, where he advocated for the interests of the European cruise industry. His extensive network and proven ability to drive growth make him a valuable asset for AVIAREPS as the company scales its cruise operations worldwide.
The global cruise industry has shown remarkable recovery and growth following the pandemic. In 2023, passenger numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 6.8%, and the industry generated $8.9 billion in revenue in 2024. With projections indicating that this figure will reach $18.4 billion by 2030—at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9%—cruise lines are preparing to meet rising demand, as evidenced by 37 new ships currently under construction through 2028.
In his new role, Fecke will oversee the global cruise representation efforts at AVIAREPS, guiding a dedicated team that offers services such as market research, travel trade development, public relations, sales, and marketing activities. From organizing trade shows and agent training to managing media relations and providing call center support, AVIAREPS will focus on helping cruise brands expand into new markets, grow passenger numbers, and enhance brand visibility.
Thomas Drechsler, COO Tourism at AVIAREPS, emphasized the company’s evolving role in the industry, stating, “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 delivers measurable value in every market. Tom’s unique background 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.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, Tom Fecke shared, “I’m 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’s a powerful mix for cruise lines looking to grow internationally. My goal is to work closely with our teams and partners to tailor smart, practical solutions that deliver real results in their target markets.”
