Chris Austin Appointed Explora Journeys’ President North America

Explora Journeys has appointed Christopher Austin as president, North America. Austin, based in Miami, joined Explora Journeys in November 2020 as the brand’s chief sales officer. Prior to that, he spent nearly three decades in leading hospitality roles, including senior vice president of global marketing and sales at Seabourn and vice president global luxury and leisure sales for Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Austin has been appointed to assume full ownership of the North American teams and market for Explora Journeys, spanning the United States, Canada and Mexico. His "unwavering commitment and strategic vision" have been instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity and fostering its growth globally, and within the North American region, according to the line. With Austin at the helm, the brand will solidify this presence.

Pierfrancesco Vago, chairman cruise division MSC Group, said, “Chris is a highly respected leader in the luxury hospitality industry and was one of the founding members of the Explora Journeys leadership team, joining nearly four years ago. The appointment signifies not only his exceptional talent but also the boundless growth opportunities within our organization. With his extensive expertise, Chris will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our business as we welcome new luxury ships to our fleet, with Explora II launching this year. We are thrilled to have him as president, North America, confident in his ability to deepen our partner penetration, drive increased demand, grow consumer awareness and brand adoption and continue to build the North America organization, including in early 2025 the move into new offices in downtown Miami.”

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