New Deal Europe Forum and Destination Presentations 2026

Editor of Cruise Trade News

Will Payne is the Editor of Cruise Trade News, and an experienced journalist with a passion for cruise and travel writing. He began his career as a local reporter with KM Media Group before landing his first role as a travel trade journalist in 2021. Since then, Will has risen through the ranks and became editor of Cruise Trade News in May 2025, leading on all aspects of the brand from ideation to delivery.

National Key Account Manager at the Globus family of brands

Jayne Lambert is the National Key Account Manager at the Globus family of brands, bringing over a decade of travel‑industry expertise in partnerships, cruise and touring and sustainable tourism. She proudly represents Avalon Waterways, known for its award‑winning Suite Ships® that invite travellers to discover the world along its great rivers in there beautiful panorama staterooms, which boost floor to celling balcony views, and relaxed luxury from Europe and Asia to South America and Egypt.

CEO of Eastern European Experience 

 Founder and CEO of Eastern European Experience (EEE), one of Romania’s leading destination management companies and a key ground-handling partner for international river cruise lines on the Danube. With a strong focus on operational excellence and guest experience, he has developed EEE into a trusted partner for major global tour operators, delivering high-quality services across Romania and Eastern Europe. Passionate about tourism, innovation, and sustainable growth, Stefan is actively involved in shaping and promoting the region as a premier travel destination.

 Director of the Zadar Tourist Board

Iva Bencun is the Director of the Zadar Tourist Board, where she leads the promotion and strategic development of the city's tourism. With extensive experience in destination management and marketing, she works to strengthen Zadar's position as a leading cultural, historical and experiential destination on the Adriatic. She is focused on sustainable growth, innovation and creating authentic experiences that connect visitors with the city's unique heritage and way of life. 
In addition, she is one of the co-founders of the Zadar Outdoor Festival, which presents the extraordinary geographical diversity of the Zadar area through various sports and adventure activities.  

Earlier in her career, she worked as a general manager at the Feral-Tours travel agency, was a co-owner of Shuttle Tours, and is a French and Italian language teacher by education. 

CEO, Both Worlds Travel and Founder, Go There Women

 Angie Brandt is the owner of Both Worlds Travel and a U.S.-based travel advisor with a deep, on-the-ground focus in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. 

She specializes in custom land vacations, river cruises, and small ship journeys. She combines deep industry knowledge with time spent in-region to design trips that feel intentional, well-paced, and true to the places they’re built around.

National Partnerships Manager for APT and Travelmarvel