P&O Cruises embarks on an innovative initiative to engage travel agents through exclusive fam trips aboard the Iona.
- The Shine at Sea incentive offers agents a chance to explore the Norwegian fjords and Northern Europe.
- Participation is enhanced through a prize draw and additional engagement via social media.
- The programme aims to boost agents’ understanding of the cruise experience, enhancing their sales capabilities.
- This engagement strategy aligns with P&O’s extensive ship visit programme for 2024.
P&O Cruises is set to strengthen its relationship with travel agents through an exclusive opportunity to experience its Iona ship first-hand. This innovative approach is part of the newly launched Shine at Sea incentive programme. Agents will be selected to participate in one of two seven-night sailings, visiting either the Norwegian fjords or Northern Europe, providing them with an immersive experience of the ship and its destinations.
The first of these fam trips is scheduled to depart on 7th September, followed by a second departure on 2nd November. Agents can enter a prize draw by registering new bookings with the Shine Rewards Club, a process geared towards incentivising active engagement and promoting the cruise line’s offerings.
Further engagement with the programme is facilitated through digital channels, including a live video session on Facebook and a dedicated happy hour event for homeworkers. These efforts are designed to both excite and inform participants, ensuring they are fully prepared to convey their experiences to potential customers.
According to Ruth Venn, Sales Director at P&O Cruises, the Shine at Sea event is conceived as the quintessential way for agents to truly appreciate the cruise product. Venn stressed the importance of such first-hand experiences in building confidence and enhancing sales effectiveness among agents.
P&O has committed to its largest ship visit programme to date in 2024, with over 1,000 places available, underscoring its commitment to agent engagement and education. The addition of the Iona fam trips highlights the company’s efforts to offer comprehensive insights into its operations and destinations.
Venn articulated that the selected cruise itineraries are particularly appealing to first-time cruisers, thus providing agents with valuable perspectives that could assist in attracting new clients. By witnessing the ship in action, agents can effectively translate the experience into increased sales.
The Shine at Sea initiative is a strategic measure by P&O Cruises to enhance agent engagement and drive future sales.
