AVIAREPS Announces Appointment of Tom Fecke as Global Head of Cruise

AVIAREPS, the global leader in international representation and marketing for aviation, tourism, hospitality and F&B brands, has appointed Tom Fecke as its new Global Head of Cruise. This strategic move marks a bold step in expanding the company’s cruise division, with Tom set to steer global growth initiatives for cruise line clients.

Bringing more than 25 years of rich experience in travel and cruise, Fecke has held key roles across prominent organisations including Travelport, Sabre, Avis Rent a Car, and RCL Cruises. Notably, he also served as Secretary General for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Brussels, where he championed the interests of the European cruise industry.

Upon his appointment, Fecke said  "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 our partners to tailor smart, practical solutions that deliver real results in their target markets."

Fecke joins AVIAREPS at a time when the cruise industry is sailing ahead at full steam. Following a robust post-pandemic recovery, 2023 saw global passenger numbers rise 6.8 per cent over pre-pandemic levels. The market, currently valued at $8.9 billion, is projected to more than double to $18.4 billion by 2030, signalling a CAGR of 12.9 per cent  between 2025–2030.

In his new role, Fecke will lead AVIAREPS’ cruise services globally—ranging from sales and PR to travel trade engagement, market research, media relations, and event planning. With 37 new ships on order globally, AVIAREPS is poised to help cruise lines tap new markets and scale sustainably.

Thomas Drechsler, COO Tourism at AVIAREPS: “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.”