Holland America Line has announced an expansive initiative for 2024, hosting 430 travel agents aboard their ships, marking a 23% increase from the previous year.
- The programme includes eight ship visits across several UK locations, with new stops at Newcastle and Cork.
- Agents will have the chance to explore the Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, and Zuiderdam, with some of these ships offering multiple visits.
- Karen Farndell emphasises the importance of these visits in equipping agents with the necessary knowledge to confidently promote upcoming itineraries.
- Registration details for interested agents are expected to be released soon, highlighting the line’s commitment to enhanced trade engagement.
Holland America Line is set to strengthen its relationship with the travel trade industry by organising ship visits for 430 agents in 2024, an effort representing a notable 23% increase compared to the previous year. These visits are strategically planned to ensure agents gain an in-depth understanding of the unique offerings of Holland America Line, thus enhancing their ability to market cruises effectively.
The scheduled events are spread across prominent UK ports such as Dover, South Queensferry, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle, and Cork. Notably, the inclusion of Newcastle and Cork as new destinations for the ship visits underscores Holland America’s commitment to broadening its geographical outreach.
Throughout the year, there will be multiple opportunities for agents to tour the Nieuw Statendam, a vessel integral to Holland America’s future ex-UK sailings planned from Dover in 2025. This proactive approach aims to familiarise agents with the onboard experience, which is crucial for their role in promoting future departures.
In addition to the Nieuw Statendam, agents will have the opportunity to explore other significant ships in the fleet, the Rotterdam and the Zuiderdam, each known for their distinguished service and onboard amenities.
Karen Farndell, the director of sales and marketing for Holland America Line, articulates, “Following the fantastic feedback we received regarding our 2023 ship visit programme, we have decided to go one better and provide even more opportunities for agents to get onboard this year.”
These tours are not just about showcasing ships; they are pivotal in imparting essential information to agents, which, according to Farndell, is vital in “helping the trade broaden their knowledge and understand what makes Holland America Line unique in the market.”
This initiative represents a significant step in empowering travel agents with the insights needed to successfully promote Holland America Line’s offerings.
