Press release -
Hurtigruten Appoints Matthew Stuart as Sales Director for UK & Emerging Markets
London, UK (16 March 2026) – Hurtigruten, the leader in iconic Norwegian coastal voyages, has announced the appointment of Matthew Stuart as Sales Director for UK & Emerging Markets.
Starting in early April, Matthew will lead Hurtigruten’s trade sales strategy across the UK and selected emerging markets. He will work closely with key travel partners to drive further growth, strengthen strategic relationships and focus on deepening engagement with the travel trade while supporting Hurtigruten’s broader commercial ambitions.
“We’re delighted to welcome Matthew to the team at such an exciting time for the business,” said Hayley Moore, VP Sales and Marketing, UK & Emerging Markets at Hurtigruten. “His strategic mindset, commercial acumen and genuine passion for both the travel industry and our brand stood out immediately. With a proven track record of leading high-performing sales teams and extensive experience across the travel sector and UK trade landscape, he will play an important role in deepening our partnerships and driving the next phase of growth for Hurtigruten.”
Matthew brings more than 15 years of experience across the travel industry, spanning touring, resort holidays and cruise across expedition, river and ocean sectors. He joins Hurtigruten from Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, where he spent the past four years, most recently as Strategic Account Manager responsible for several of the brand’s largest trade partnerships across the UK and Ireland.
Prior to Celebrity Cruises, Matthew held senior commercial roles at Club Med across the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, and began his career in touring with Collette Tours, where he developed strong relationships across the UK travel trade that he maintains today.
“I’ve admired Hurtigruten for a long time. It’s a brand with a remarkable heritage and a very clear sense of purpose and identity in the travel industry,” commented Stuart. “What excites me most is the opportunity to work closely with such a talented team and travel trade partners across the UK and emerging markets, with the aim of introducing an even wider audience to the unique experiences Hurtigruten offers in the Nordics.”
“Hurtigruten has strong momentum, and I’m looking forward to listening to partners, building on those relationships and working with the team to drive the next phase of growth together.”
Topics
Since 1893, Hurtigruten has connected Norway’s coastal communities. They transport locals, cargo, and international guests to 34 ports along the legendary 12-day round trip between Bergen and Kirkenes - sailing what is often called ‘the world's most beautiful voyage’.
Today, their custom-built fleet offers authentic, immersive experiences, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of this stunning coastline and the communities that call it home.
Committed to setting a higher standard for more sustainable travel initiatives, their fleet includes four battery-hybrid powered ships, while they prioritise energy efficiency, responsible waste management and locally sourced ingredients. Through their ambitious Sea Zero project, Hurtigruten aims to develop their first ship that can sail emissions-free in normal operations on the Norwegian coast by 2030.
Hurtigruten operates year-round, offering two different experiences: the Original Coastal Express voyages and the premium, all-inclusive Signature voyages, dedicated to Svalbard (summer) and the North Cape (winter).
