Holland America Line is set to host travel agents onboard its ships throughout 2023, offering firsthand experience of its offerings. This initiative will see the participation of up to 350 agents.
- The programme will feature vessels including Rotterdam, Zuiderdam, and Nieuw Statendam, with visits scheduled across multiple UK and Ireland ports.
- Scheduled from April to October, these ship tours aim to bolster brand awareness among travel agents.
- Highlighting its 150th anniversary, Holland America Line plans a special celebration in Rotterdam, incorporating a unique transatlantic crossing.
- The cruise line perceives these engagements as crucial for understanding agent perspectives on enhancing sales strategies.
In a significant initiative to foster deeper relationships with travel agents, Holland America Line is extending invitations to step aboard and experience their ships throughout 2023. Up to 350 agents will have the opportunity to explore the cruise line’s services firsthand, focusing on enhancing brand knowledge and engagement.
The programme showcases three distinct ships—Rotterdam, Zuiderdam, and Nieuw Statendam—with tours facilitated across various UK and Ireland ports such as Dover, South Queensferry, Cobh, Belfast, and Liverpool. These visits, scheduled from April through October, are part of a strategic effort to reinforce brand awareness and foster robust relationships with the trade.
Holland America Line is marking a remarkable milestone, its 150th anniversary, and has planned a celebration in Rotterdam on 18 April 2023. This celebration will include a transatlantic crossing that retraces the route of the company’s inaugural sailing from New York, culminating in Rotterdam. Events onboard will feature a gala menu of classic dishes, an exclusive De Lijn gin, and a visual narrative chronicling the company’s storied history.
In a statement, the line’s sales and marketing director, Karen Farndell, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating: “We’re so excited to welcome our travel agent partners on board this year. We know how important these experiences are for agents to increase brand knowledge and experience the product for themselves.”
Moreover, the cruise line sees this as a valuable opportunity to engage directly with agents, gathering insights and feedback on how best to support future sales growth. This aligns with their mission to build lasting relationships and offer unmatched experiences for both agents and their Future travellers.
Holland America Line’s 2023 initiatives reflect a strategic emphasis on brand engagement and commemorating its heritage while enhancing agent relationships.
