Celestyal is set to expand its Arabian Gulf programme in light of impressive UK booking growth. This strategic move aims to capitalise on the thriving UK market, supported by significant travel agent partnerships. The company’s popularity among trade agents fuels its ambition in the Gulf region. A promising Desert Days itinerary piques interest among travellers. The expansion seeks to attract new clientele to the Arabian Gulf cruises.
Celestyal is gearing up to augment its Arabian Gulf programme following remarkable, triple-digit booking growth in the UK. This move not only reflects the robust demand in the UK market but also positions Celestyal to tap into a new demographic of travellers.
The decision to redeploy the Celestyal Discovery ship in the Arabian Gulf underscores the company’s intention to capitalise on this burgeoning market. Janet Parton, vice president of business development UK, highlighted the vital support from UK travel agents in driving this impressive growth. ‘Trade business in the UK has been performing really well,’ Parton stated, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming response from various trade agents, including homeworkers, consortia, and independent retail outlets.
Celestyal’s seven-night Desert Days itinerary in the Gulf has received positive reviews from the trade, marking it as a cornerstone of the company’s strategic expansion. Parton emphasised that the UK has always been a core component of Celestyal’s growth strategy, a commitment that has only intensified with the deployment of a second ship in the Gulf.
In anticipation of strong future demand, Celestyal has placed its 2026/winter 2027 deployment on sale earlier than ever before. This proactive strategy is aimed at securing early bookings amidst a competitive market landscape, described by Parton as a ‘race for space’ for 2024. By venturing into the Arabian Gulf, Celestyal provides travel agents with a compelling proposition to inspire first-time cruisers to explore the region.
Parton pointed out the appeal of the Arabian Gulf for UK-based travellers, who often visit for land-based holidays. This presents an opportunity to merge land and sea experiences, encouraging visitors to expand their stay by incorporating a cruise segment.
Celestyal’s strategic expansion in the Arabian Gulf, driven by significant UK growth, positions it well for future success.
