Intercruises’ Martin Bidgood a casualty of global downsizing

Bidgood, who was born in London and gained a degree in International Hospitality Management from Bournemouth University, was working for the UK’s Aragon Tours when it was acquired by Intercruises in 2009.

Relocated to Sydney in 2011

He became regional director UK & Ireland before relocating to Sydney in 2011 to run the Australian operation. 

In 2018 Intercruises was taken over by the TUI Group.

Praise from ACA CEO

‘Martin is one of the most experienced shoreside operators I have had the pleasure to work with,’ Australian Cruise Association CEO Jill Abel said.

‘He has not only successfully grown the ground touring operations, but has also worked with industry to support the development of new ports,’ Abel said. 

‘He has shown incredible commitment to ACA where he has served on the management committee for the last five years — two of them as deputy chair. 

Spearheaded education programme

‘He has spearheaded our education programme and helped tourism operators develop their businesses to become cruise ready.’

Abel said she will miss Bidgood’s ‘strategic thinking and warm sense of humour’ and she looks forward to welcoming him back into the industry.

Seatrade Cruise News understands Bidgood intends to remain in Australia.