With a career that has taken him to some of the world’s most iconic ports and a reputation for precision in one of the most demanding global industries, Daniel Essex, Founder and CEO of Century Travel Group, is anything but conventional. Having worked across continents and maritime capitals, he brought his expertise to Cyprus, founding a business in a niche that few would dare enter – and even fewer would succeed in. And now, nearly 20 years on, Daniel’s brainchild remains the only dedicated cruise agency in Cyprus.

Your career spans continents, ports and cultures – few professionals have seen the world as closely as you have. What has this global perspective given you that no business school or boardroom ever could? And why did you choose this sphere of aspiration for yourself?

Working across different countries and cultures has taught me that relationships are built not only on business logic, but on understanding people. Cultural sensitivity isn’t just a soft skill – it’s essential for long-term success.

As for how it all began – I was driven by a love of both travel and sales. I entered the industry over 35 years ago and started working with cruises when it was still considered a niche segment. I’ve always been drawn to areas where I can shape a product, not just distribute it. That creative aspect of business is what’s kept me engaged for so long.

Establishing a business in Cyprus as a foreigner – and in such a specialist sector – is no small feat. What convinced you it could be done?

After selling my business in the UK, I was looking for a new challenge – not just a new market, but a chance to build again from the ground up. We did 14 months of due diligence and saw potential in Cyprus: access to regional markets, a manageable scale, and room for innovation.

What we underestimated was the level of complexity involved – not only in regulation and licensing, which was considerable, but in building trust in an industry where relationships matter deeply. Starting over in a market where you’re an unknown takes patience and a very clear sense of purpose.

People often speak about strategy, but you’ve lived it – navigating complex maritime logistics, high-value relationships and international dynamics. What’s the mindset that has allowed you to operate at that level for so long?

It starts with curiosity and a willingness to question the status quo. I’ve never been content with just doing things the accepted way – I’m always asking whether it can be done better or differently. That mindset, paired with consistency and a refusal to settle, has helped me stay relevant. Despite challenges, I've built strong, long-standing relationships with cruiselines and travel partners globally, forming exclusive partnerships. It also takes discipline. You can have the ideas, but unless you’re prepared to follow through day after day, they don’t count for much. I’ve always believed in balancing vision with execution.

You’ve seen the world’s most extraordinary ports and places – but which three destinations have truly stayed with you, either because of what you saw or what you felt there? And what place do you still dream of exploring?

Brazil in the early ’90s was a turning point for me. Rio had an energy and complexity I hadn’t experienced before – it was eye-opening. Vietnam also left a strong impression – I’ve explored much of the coast but would love to go inland and see the Mekong region in depth. Japan, where I recently travelled, was remarkable for its contrast: tradition and technology coexisting seamlessly.
As for places I haven’t yet seen – China remains high on my list. I’ve worked with partners there for years but never set foot in the country. That needs to change.

Looking back at the arc of your journey, from early days to founding your business in Cyprus, what’s the moment you’re most proud of – the one that still reminds you why you chose this path?

For me, the common thread has been innovation. Whether it was launching the UK’s first cruise-only retail outlets, pioneering the cruise market in Cyprus with cruise.com.cy, and now recently expanding into the Greek market, with an established presence across the GCC region, it’s always been about doing something before others see the opportunity.

I take pride in not just identifying gaps but building the systems and teams to act on them. That sense of shaping something that didn’t exist before – that’s what makes it meaningful.

When things didn’t go to plan – and surely they didn’t always – what did you tell yourself to keep going? What’s been your most personal source of resilience? How much of that comes down to instinct – and do you trust your gut more now than you did earlier in your career?

My first business failed before I was 20. That taught me early that failure is part of the process, not the end of it. I’ve always had a very forward-facing mindset – when something goes wrong, I don’t dwell. I learn, I adjust, and I move on.

A big part of resilience is internal – that drive to keep going, to keep improving. But experience helps too. Over time, your instinct sharpens. I trust my judgement far more now than I did in the early years. It’s not about being right all the time – it’s about being ready to respond when the unexpected happens.

Interview by Kateryna Bila

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