Cunard is enhancing its engagement with travel agents by offering additional ship visit opportunities, emphasising the importance of firsthand experiences.
- Four new dates have been added for ship visits in Southampton, specifically targeting travel agents to enhance their client interactions.
- The addition of these visits aims to increase the number of agents experiencing the Cunard fleet, with the endeavour previously announced earlier this year.
- Cunard has structured these visits to include comprehensive tours and luxurious dining experiences, underscoring their commitment to quality and agent satisfaction.
- David Jones, newly appointed vice president, highlights Cunard’s commitment to these experiential visits and their positive impact on trade relationships.
Cunard has unveiled an opportunity to deepen relationships with travel agents by offering new ship visit dates, allowing agents to experience their fleet before Christmas. This move is part of a broader strategy unveiled in February, aiming to enhance agents’ ability to promote the Cunard brand through personal experience. The additional visits are specifically designed to enable agents to explore the ships, enhancing their knowledge and ability to provide detailed insights to potential cruise customers.
The new dates will see up to 120 agents visiting Cunard ships in Southampton. Each visit will provide a guided tour exploring the suites, cabins, and various venues, followed by a three-course lunch with wine in the distinguished Britannia restaurant. This approach is aimed at allowing agents to immerse themselves in the Cunard experience, thus better equipping them to discuss cruise options with clients. Registration for these visits is open via a dedicated loyalty programme, signifying an operational effort to streamline participation for interested agents.
Highlighted new dates include visits to Queen Anne on October 15 and Queen Victoria on October 21. Additional viewings are planned for November 13 and December 5, focusing on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, respectively. These are accompanied by earlier visits scheduled throughout the UK, ensuring a wide range of opportunities for agents to engage with the fleet. The systematic scheduling points to Cunard’s strategic planning in ensuring maximum agent interaction and feedback gathering.
David Jones, who has recently taken the role of global marketing and UK/EMEA sales vice president, articulated the importance of these initiatives. Jones expressed that the best method to assist agents in selling Cunard cruises is by offering firsthand experiences, enhancing their capability to convey the brand’s luxurious attributes. This commitment is reflected in the substantial increase in hosted agent visits compared to previous years, a testament to Cunard’s focus on fostering robust trade partnerships.
Overall, Cunard’s extended ship visit programme underscores its dedication to strengthening relationships with travel agents through firsthand experiences.
