MSC Cruises is undertaking its largest ship visit programme ever, hosting over 2,000 agents.
- More than 60 events are planned in the UK and Ireland before the year ends.
- Agents will tour MSC Virtuosa, MSC Preziosa, MSC Euribia, and MSC Poesia.
- The initiative has already seen positive sales results from previous events.
- MSC Cruises aims to ensure the right agents are matched with the right ships.
In a bid to strengthen its ties with travel agents, MSC Cruises is executing an ambitious ship visit programme, which it describes as its largest to date. This year, more than 2,000 agents will step aboard the company’s ships, participating in over 60 planned events across key ports like Southampton, Belfast, Liverpool, Invergordon, and Cork. The programme is designed to enhance the agents’ familiarity with MSC’s offerings, ultimately driving improved sales figures.
The participating agents will have the opportunity to explore the MSC Virtuosa, MSC Euribia, MSC Preziosa, and MSC Poesia. These tours aim to provide the agents with firsthand experience of the cruise line’s facilities and services, followed by an onboard lunch to further immerse them in the MSC experience. Such personal engagement is crucial for agents to effectively communicate the unique aspects of MSC Cruises to potential customers.
Steve Williams, the Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland, highlighted the success already achieved through this programme. More than 300 agents have been hosted this year, and the results have been described as “brilliant.” Williams noted that by employing a “smarter” model, MSC ensures that agents who have not yet encountered the brand or its specific ship classes are prioritised. This targeted approach is intended to optimise the potential for increased sales after these visits.
However, this initiative represents a significant investment for MSC Cruises, as there are inherent costs associated with hosting such extensive ship visits. Despite this, the company perceives a tangible return on investment through heightened sales and brand advocacy from participating agents. By aligning the right agents with the most suitable ships, MSC is fostering more informed partners who are likely to translate their experiences into customer bookings.
This extensive programme reflects MSC Cruises’ commitment to engaging travel agents and boosting sales through immersive experiences.
