In a statement, the river cruise and touring operator said Downing would be tasked with the day to day running and management of its UK business.

Downing has accrued more than 35 years’ experience in travel including senior management positions at Riviera Travel, The Late Rooms Group, Merlin Entertainments, Legoland and MyTravel.

Scenic added that Townson had left the business “with immediate effect to pursue other interests”.

Anna Wolfsteiner, senior vice-president for international sales & distribution, said: “Colin is a very experienced manager, who has recently been working for us on a number of group projects and I am pleased to announce his appointment to head up the UK team.”

Downing added: “As one of the world’s leading tour and river cruise companies Scenic and Emerald Waterways are a very exciting business and one I’m proud to be part of. We have some great people in the team alongside best in class products.”