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Cruise Industry Mourns Navin Sawhney

This followed a six-year battle with cancer. He was 69.

Sawhney died peacefully, surrounded by familly, in Trumbull, Connecticut, his home.

Speaking for many, Ted Sykes, CEO, Certares Homecoming, called Sawhney a good friend, well-liked across the industry.

Visionary, mentor, inspiring leader

'All of us at Ponant and Paul Gauguin Cruises are deeply saddened,' Ponant CEO Hervé Gastinel said. '... He was a true visionary, a mentor for his teams and a beloved member of the global travel industry community, enormously respected by all who knew and worked with him. Above all, he was an inspiring leader and a true friend.'

Sawhney's more than 40-year travel industry career began as a marketing planning manager for Holland America Line, and he rose to become SVP marketing at Cunard Line, SVP sales and marketing at Tauck and chief operating officer, then CEO at Ponant, Americas in New York. He recently transitioned to strategic advisor.

During a decade with Ponant, 'his immense industry knowledge and business savvy masterminded a turning point in the development of our company, propelling us to become a prestigious brand that is recognized and respected in the American market,' Gastinel said.

Man of integrity and character

'We were devastated to hear the news of Navin's passing,' Tauck CEO Dan Mahar said. 'Navin and Tauck had a long and close relationship, and we benefited from his work with us as a consultant, as a valued employee and, more recently, as a trusted partner at Ponant. He was a true gentleman — a man of integrity and character. He will be dearly missed by his many friends at Tauck.'

Sawhney also ran his own consultancy focused on strategic planning, brand development, channel and digital marketing and growth through alliances. Veteran senior cruise executive Larry Pimentel, who tapped Sawhney for various projects, called him a 'gentle soul who was focused on "we" and "us" rather than me.

'I loved his authentic humanity,' Pimentel said. 'He was a gentle giant and had a unique way of connecting with those he engaged. His work at Ponant was stellar.'

Born in New Delhi, India

According to an obituary, Sawhney was born in New Delhi, India, and came to the US in 1978 to attend the University of Bridgeport's MBA program as an exchange student after completing his three-year LL.B. In corporate law at Delhi University. He lived in Connecticut before moving to New York, and became a US citizen in 1989.

Meanwhile, in 1980, Sawhney joined Holland America Line — then based in New York — as marketing planning manager. That is where he met Suzanne, his wife of 40 years.

From 1984 to 1997, he led global marketing for Cunard, encompassing its decade-long corporate acquisition strategy.

Sawhney was then recruited by a private equity firm to run the international division of a roll-up platform for a large cosmetic manufacturer and went on to work in consumer marketing and new channel development before joining Tauck, the Connecticut-based, family-owned global tour operator, in 2006. He directed marketing strategy and global sales for six years before setting up Sawhney Consulting. He joined Ponant in 2014.

'Navin will forever be remembered for his kindness, empathy and support of his teams,' Gastinel said. 'The company, our employees and the partners he worked with will miss him greatly.'

May 31 viewing

Besides wife Suzanne, Sawhney is survived by daughters Tara and Hannah, two siblings, a granddaughter and several nieces and nephews, and several grandnephews and a grandniece.

A viewing will be held May 31 at Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Road., Trumbull, Connecticut, with a private funeral scheduled for June 1.

Industry Remembers Navin Sawhney

Cruise industry executive Navin Sawhney passed away on May 23 following a six-year battle with cancer.

Sawhney, an immigrant from New Delhi, India, spent over four decades in the cruise and travel industry after earning his MBA from the University of Bridgeport.

Coming to the U.S., lived with several local, host families in Stratford and Fairfield, CT before moving to Queens, NY for work, and eventually became a U.S. Citizen in 1989.

"Ever the storyteller, he would weave his tales of travel abroad, memorable meals, and clever quips in a charismatic way," read his obituary.

His career included key marketing roles at Holland America Line, where he met his wife, Cunard Cruise Line, and Tauck World Discovery. Sawhney later served as CEO of the Americas for Ponant, playing a key role in building up the brand in the American market from its New York City office.

The family's statement highlighted Sawhney's love for "good music, a well-prepared meal, and…fine wine."

In addition to his wife he is survived by his devoted daughters, Tara (Alison) and Hannah (Ryan), two siblings, Nita (Mohan) Varma and Sarita (late Shiv) Kapuria, cherished granddaughter, Zoe, several nieces and nephews, and several grandnephews, and a grandniece.

Tauck Invites Agents To UK Roadshow Series

US-based operator Tauck is inviting UK travel agents to educational events being held in England in the autumn.

The Tauck On Tour series will visit Bristol, London, Sutton Coldfield, Manchester and Harrogate in September.

During the half-day sessions, Tauck will share resources aimed at growing agents' sales and it will also highlight new product details, emerging trends and company updates.

More: Tauck unveils new leadership line-up

Tom Dumbrell (pictured), Tauck's national sales manager for the UK and Ireland, said: "As we increase our presence in the UK and grow our community of advisors, it's important that we provide them not only with information about our products, but also with the tools they need to sell those products."

He said it was equally important for Tauck to highlight how "profitable" it was for agents to sell the operator's trips, adding: "Not only do we pay generous commissions, but we're a truly all-inclusive brand that commands a premium price."

The autumn events, which will be limited to 30 guests each, follow the operator's drive over the last few years to increase its visibility in the UK.

Dumbrell will co-present the sessions alongside two US-based colleagues – sales and marketing director Shauna Sullivan Reilly and trade marketing and education senior manager Lora Schapiro.

Lunch and light refreshments will be served at the events, with London to host two sessions.

Dumbrell said agents should register as soon as possible because of the attendance limits. His email address is: tdumbrell@tauck.Com

Tauck, founded in 1925, offers more than 150 land tours, safaris, river cruises and small ship ocean cruises to over 70 countries and all seven continents.

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