Hurtigruten is opening an office in Hong Kong to go after the Asia-Pacific market, and has named industry veteran William Harber as President, China & Asia-Pacific. 

Harber previously held posts at Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in Hong Kong.

Harber commented:  “Adventure travel is one the fastest growing global tourism mega trends. I am of the opinion that the premium Hurtigruten experience, with activity, learning and sustainability in the core, resonate particularly well in these regions. I see great potential in offering even more guests from these corners of the world unique nature-based experiences in pristine waters.”

Harber is charged with driving sales and profitability across markets, including Greater China, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, as well as India. He will establish an office in Hong Kong and improve the commercial infrastructure to deepen travel agent relationships and open new channels for growth, said the company in a statement. 

He was most recently SVP & Managing Director Asia for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. He also served as Vice President, Market Development for Carnival Asia. Based in Singapore, he advanced the group’s growth strategy for the rapidly expanding region. Harber joined Carnival’s Miami, Florida headquarters in 2004 as a member of the Shared Services team. In 2011, he was promoted to Vice President, Corporate Marketing, working globally across their 10 cruise brands.