Boat Bike Tours adds sales development manager for Canada & U.S.

Boat Bike Tours, which operates cruise-and-cycle tours in Europe, has hired Kristen Babis as a sales development manager for North America.

With bookings from Canada and the U.S. making up the fastest-growing segment of Boat Bike Tours’ business, Babis will focus on outreach to travel advisors across the two countries to boost awareness of the company’s offerings.

Based in Amsterdam, Boat Bike Tours has opened an office in Fairfield, Connecticut, in recent years and expanded its support and offerings to North American clients.

“We’re thrilled to have Kristen, with her 20 years of sales experience, join the team in our North American office,” said Jana Tvedt, director of sales, North America, at Boat Bike Tours, in a press release.

“Bookings from the U.S. and Canada have been largely by word of mouth so far, but we see tremendous potential to grow our presence here. With Kristen’s help, we’ll work hand in hand with our partners in the agency community.”

5 to 15-day itineraries

“To me, sales has always been about building and nurturing long-lasting relationships, so I look forward to connecting with travel advisors and introducing them to our tours,” stated Babis. “We offer a unique experience that immerses guests in the places we visit and cultures we encounter in an up-close way, and we offer great variety and value – there’s something for everyone.”

Boat Bike Tours’ five- to 15-day itineraries blend relaxation and adventure, and fit a variety of interests, from historic cities and landmarks to natural landscapes and the world’s best wines.

Travelling by boat and bike takes guests “beyond tourist hotspots, allowing for intimate and authentic connections with local people, culture and nature,” the company said.

The company’s fleet includes 50 unique barges, motor yachts and sailing ships that serve as floating hotels, many of which are perfect for group bookings.

And biking styles include guided for casual riders and independent for seasoned cyclists, with touring bikes, e-bikes and even mountain bikes in some destinations.

Travel advisors also earn commission on every booking.

Babis has experience in both B2C and B2B sales, and will offer support to travel advisors, researching questions for them and their clients, sharing marketing materials like brochures and email content, holding educational webinars and representing the company at trade shows.

More information can be found here. 

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