Thorne Travel has reported an impressive 700% increase in cruise bookings following the inception of its dedicated cruise division in 2022.
- The COVID-19 pandemic initially delayed the launch of Thorne Travel’s cruise division, but its eventual debut has been met with overwhelming customer enthusiasm.
- Significant partnerships with major cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Silversea have been pivotal in driving this substantial growth.
- An expansive cruise mailing list with over 23,000 registrants reflects the company’s proactive engagement strategies.
- Customer loyalty appears strong with 95% of first-time cruisers opting to rebook.
Thorne Travel, a prominent travel agency based in Scotland, has revealed a remarkable 700% increase in cruise bookings over the past year. This surge can be attributed to the launch of its dedicated cruise division in 2022, which was initially postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The division’s introduction has evidently resonated with consumers, leading to significant growth in bookings.
The firm’s managing director, Shona Thorne, expressed her delight at the division’s success, noting the wide-reaching impact and appeal of their cruise services. She highlighted bookings coming in from varied locations, including Santorini in Greece, as evidence of the division’s far-reaching influence.
Collaboration with leading cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Oceania, Silversea, and others has been instrumental in this success. Thorne Travel’s strategic alliances and ship visit events have bolstered these relationships, further enhancing their offerings.
Additionally, Thorne Travel has secured cabin allocations with several cruise lines, ensuring availability for their growing customer base. Presently, the firm reports an 80% capacity for these allocations, emphasising the ongoing demand for their cruise services.
Moreover, the agency’s engagement with the community through events and networking has resulted in the creation of an extensive cruise mailing list featuring over 23,000 subscribers. This outreach initiative underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining strong customer relationships.
Notably, a significant number of new-to-cruise customers have demonstrated loyalty by rebooking, with 150 individuals committing to Thorne Travel’s escorted cruises scheduled for early 2024. The firm’s expansion plans include opening a third store in Prestwick, featuring a dedicated cruise desk, to accommodate increasing consumer interest.
Thorne Travel’s burgeoning cruise division exemplifies successful strategic planning and customer engagement, securing its position in the travel industry.
