Avalon Waterways has stepped up its marketing efforts down under, by appointing TV presenter, Deborah Hutton to be the face of the river cruise line in Australia and New Zealand.

Deborah will also launch the line’s newest Suite Ship, Avalon Illumination, at a ceremony in Vienna in June this year.

According to Avalon, the Australian market is of growing importance.

Managing director Australasia, Stewart Williams said much of Avalon’s success has been driven by the Australian and New Zealand market, and expects Deborah to help spread the river cruising word.

“Avalon’s guests are sophisticated travellers who are quite savvy and look for a river cruise that is contemporary in style,” he explained.

“Deborah is an excellent representative of that traveller and will be a great asset in communicating to our guests.”

As part of her new role, Deborah will feature in advertising campaigns and other marketing initiatives.

Deborah said: “I’m looking forward to seeing a whole new side to Europe – cruising along the river is going to be a seriously great way to travel.”

Deborah was a television host on Amazing Homes and Location, Location and is currently the host of the Foxtel Movie Show.