The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) is celebrating its first anniversary with a groundbreaking roadshow across the UK and Ireland, aimed at enhancing industry knowledge.
- Spanning Birmingham, Manchester, and Dublin, the roadshow will occur between 23 and 25 April 2024, inviting travel trade professionals for an immersive experience.
- Attendees will engage with renowned suppliers such as Albatros Expeditions, Australis, and Silversea, among others, to explore the nuances of expedition cruising.
- The initiative aims to address a prominent sales barrier by demystifying expedition cruise products through direct dialogue with suppliers.
- The roadshow’s launch coincides with ECN’s growth, having recently expanded its global network to encompass 24 operators.
The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) is poised to mark its first anniversary through a novel initiative—a comprehensive roadshow across the UK and Ireland. This event, set to span Birmingham, Manchester, and Dublin from 23 to 25 April 2024, is designed to deepen the understanding of expedition cruising within the travel trade sector.
This roadshow represents a unique opportunity for travel trade professionals to engage directly with a variety of suppliers, including Albatros Expeditions, Australis, and Silversea. In Dublin, exclusive suppliers such as AE Expeditions and Aqua Expeditions will be present, while Birmingham and Manchester will host HX Expeditions and Polar Latitudes. Scenic cruises will also exhibit at these latter venues, offering a diverse range of insights into expedition cruising.
Akvile Marozaite, the chief executive of the ECN, expressed immense enthusiasm about this inaugural event, remarking on the significant potential it holds for the industry. Marozaite stated, “We are very excited to announce the first ever expedition cruise roadshow in the UK and Ireland during the month of our first anniversary.”
The essence of the roadshow is to tackle a key sales barrier identified in the organisation’s Insights Report 2023/24: a gap in understanding and differentiating expedition cruise products. By allowing professionals to converse directly with suppliers, the event seeks to bridge this gap, consequently empowering travel sellers to confidently market products that lead clients to some of the world’s most remote and thrilling destinations.
The event is meticulously scheduled, with venues including Revolucion de Cuba in Birmingham, the Hilton Deansgate’s Iris Lounge in Manchester, and the Morrison Hotel in Dublin, all opening their doors from 6 pm to 9:30 pm. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive yet concise experience for all attendees, highlighting ECN’s commitment to professional development and industry innovation.
In line with the roadshow’s launch, ECN has expanded its membership, recently integrating Antara and Maple Leaf Adventures into its global network, thereby increasing its reach to 24 operators. This growth underscores ECN’s dedication to widening access to expedition cruising expertise and opportunities.
The Expedition Cruise Network’s inaugural roadshow stands as a testament to its commitment to advancing the understanding and promotion of expedition cruising.
