Hays Travel is poised to enhance its share in the fly-cruise market, leveraging its strong ex-UK cruise sales.
- Key initiatives aim at integrating fly-cruise offers in all customer interactions to boost market presence.
- Outstanding performance by agents has driven a notable increase in cruise passenger volumes.
- Ongoing efforts include an emphasis on luxury and expedition cruises, aligning with consumer interest trends.
- With 35% of the UK keen on cruising, agents are urged to capitalise on untapped potential.
Hays Travel has identified an opportunity to expand its presence in the fly-cruise sector, aiming to complement its existing strength in the ex-UK cruise market. The company’s head of cruise, Catriona Parsons, highlighted this strategic focus during their annual retail conference, urging agents to integrate cruising suggestions into every customer interaction.
Agents have been commended for their impressive contributions, with October seeing a 25% rise in passenger numbers year on year. This growth is mirrored by a 26% increase in revenue and a 28% boost in profitability. Over the last six months, the retail division noted a 9% passenger growth, while the franchise division excelled with a 41.5% rise in passenger numbers.
Parsons emphasised the crucial role of increasing passenger numbers, suggesting that financial success would naturally follow from this growth metric. Research indicates a growing public interest in cruises, with about 35% of the UK population considering booking a cruise within five years. This points to a significant potential audience of around 10 million prospective cruisers.
She encouraged agents to cultivate expertise in the cruise sector by engaging with cruise lines’ seasonal launches and actively promoting cruise packages. An emphasis on luxury, expedition, and river cruises is seen as a way to attract high-value customers, enhancing the company’s market position.
With more travellers seeking the guidance of travel agents, the insights and recommendations offered by these professionals are pivotal. As such, Hays Travel remains committed to supporting its agents in becoming local cruise experts, ready to meet the market’s evolving demands.
Hays Travel is strategically positioning itself to capture a larger portion of the fly-cruise market by leveraging agent expertise and consumer interest.
