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This latest appointment follows the appointment of Mal Barritt, as managing director of Destinology and Andy Squirrell who was recently promoted to managing director of Titan Travel; and completes the leadership team of Saga’s tour operating division.

Maria joins Saga with a wealth of experience and a considerable breadth of industry knowledge behind her. She has held senior roles at Amadeus, Travel 2/Travel 4, Airmiles and Hayes & Jarvis, and therefore has extensive experience in tour operations. Earlier in her career Maria worked as a resort representative, so she has real insight in to life in resort and what holidaymakers want from a great holiday experience.

Jeannette Linfoot, managing director of Saga’s tour operating divisions commented, “This is a really exciting time for Saga. We have ambitious plans for growth and I am delighted that Maria has agreed to join us on this journey. I am confident that alongside the expertise of the existing management team we are in a strong position to build on the great progress we have already achieved in our Travel businesses. Our recently announced full year results put us on track to double the size of Saga Travel within five years.”

Maria Whiteman said, “I’m thrilled to be joining Saga Travel. It is such an iconic brand that serves a really discerning demographic. I was surprised to hear that over 50s now account for more than 58% of travel spending in the UK so I’m confident that great opportunities lie ahead. I’m passionate about travel and service and am really looking forward to working with the team to continue to create and deliver a wonderful range of holidays.”

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Saga Holidays offer excellent value with so much included. A variety of Long-Haul, European and UK destinations are exclusively available for people aged 50 and over, although travel partners can be below 50. All Saga holidays include welcome drink, porterage of luggage and cancellation cover, VIP door to door travel service is also included on all long haul holidays and now on selected European escorted tours. The Saga Price Promise ensures that if Saga Holidays reduce the price of a holiday once it has been confirmed, the value of the saving will automatically be passed on to customers, which ensures that early bookers never miss out. Saga Holidays also guarantee that the price of a holiday will not be subject to any surcharges, regardless of what may happen to fuel prices or exchange rates.