Amidst a rising interest in Norwegian coastal cruises, Hurtigruten is touring the UK to engage travel agents and enhance product knowledge.
- The sales team started their roadshow in Ipswich, moving through key cities to directly interact with UK travel agents.
- Cineworld cinemas in Cheltenham and Ashton-Under-Lyne hosted informative evening events, sharing insights into unique Norwegian experiences.
- James Howlett highlighted the strong demand and the benefits of such events in reinforcing agent relationships.
- New marketing head Prini Patel aims to boost brand visibility in the UK and EMEA through strategic initiatives.
In response to a growing appetite for Norwegian coastal cruises, Hurtigruten has embarked on a tour across the United Kingdom, reaching out to travel agents to elevate their understanding of the product. The journey began in Ipswich, followed by visits to other significant locations, allowing the sales team to personally engage with their UK partners.
A series of evening events were organised at select Cineworld cinemas in Cheltenham and Ashton-Under-Lyne throughout September. These sessions served as opportunities for travel agents to delve into the spectacular offerings of Norway, including the famed Northern Lights and Midnight Sun. The events facilitated direct interactions, enabling agents to ask pertinent questions and discuss strategies for selling the destination effectively.
James Howlett, who leads UK sales for Hurtigruten, remarked on the heightened demand for Norwegian voyages, attributing this success to fruitful collaborations with UK trade partners. He emphasised Norway’s appeal as a destination of a lifetime and underscored the importance of these roadshows in showcasing Hurtigruten’s unique value proposition.
Furthermore, agents attending these events were entered into a prize draw, providing a chance to embark on a 12-day cruise across Norway. This initiative aims to offer agents firsthand experiences of the breathtaking landscapes, further equipping them with authentic narratives and selling points to share with potential customers.
In a strategic move to bolster marketing efforts, Prini Patel has been appointed as Hurtigruten’s head of marketing for the UK & EMEA. With over two decades of industry experience, Patel is poised to spearhead initiatives aimed at amplifying brand awareness and driving demand within the region.
The strategic engagement of UK travel agents by Hurtigruten demonstrates a dedicated effort to boost demand and enhance destination knowledge.
