“A new & exciting chapter”: Aaron Crawford joins Holland America & Seabourn as BDM

A familiar face in the travel industry is taking his career from land to sea.

Aaron Crawford, previously of TTC Tour Brands, has joined the teams at Holland America Line and Seabourn as a business development manager for both cruise lines in Eastern Canada, PAX has learned.

He fills a role once held by Lori Patterson, who is now retired. Crawford is now responsible for championing the two brands, while supporting travel agency partners throughout Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.

“It’s opening up a new and exciting chapter in my career” Crawford told PAX. “This opportunity is so thrilling for me and will offer invaluable growth opportunities both professionally and personally. I am proud to contribute to the legacy that Lori Patterson created, take on new challenges and make a positive impact.”

During his 14-year career in the travel industry, Crawford has worked in a number of positions, from airline customer service agent to an onboard guide. He has worked in the cruise sector before, and was once a BDM with a leading Canadian tour operator.

His last role, at TTC Tour Brands, involved being a sales manager for Southwestern and Northern Ontario.

“I loved my time at TTC Tour Brands,” Crawford said, noting that he sees “a lot of similarities” between TTC’s culture and the cruise brands he now represents, which are part of the Carnival Corporation.

“Holland America offers a balanced focus on the employee, guest, and travel advisor experience,” he said. “And being part of two iconic brands – Holland America, which, for over 150 years, has been a recognized leader in cruising, and Seabourn, which has pioneered small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising – represents the pinnacle of that unique style of travel. It’s such an amazing opportunity.”

Crawford said he’s looking forward to working with travel advisors in an expanded territory.

He’s also excited to learn more about the things that make Holland America Line unique. “Like our Alaska Cruise Tours and our Global Fresh Fish Program,” he said.

Same for ultra-luxe Seabourn. “I mean, have you heard of Caviar in the Surf?! I had no idea how much I needed that in my life,” Crawford said.

Congrats to Aaron Crawford! Travel advisors and partners can now reach him at 519-827-5986 or at acrawford@hollandamerica.com.

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