Regent Seven Seas Cruises is elevating their trade engagement strategies, implementing significant advancements to enhance collaboration with agents.
- The introduction of a groundbreaking agent portal, Regent Elevate, marks a significant step forward in supporting trade partnerships.
- Steve Odell highlights the new portal and BDM team as pivotal developments in enhancing trade assistance.
- Caroline Smith underscores the inclusive design of Regent Elevate, which caters to both seasoned and novice cruise agents.
- The cruise line is broadening its approach, targeting consumers who typically prefer luxury land-based holidays.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled Regent Elevate, a novel agent hub that exemplifies a strategic leap in trade engagement. This initiative is spearheaded by Steve Odell, the newly appointed chief sales officer, who has characterised the development as crucial for bolstering trade partnerships. Odell emphasises that while Regent has historically been committed to trade support, the new tools signify a considerable enhancement in their engagement mechanisms.
The introduction of Regent Elevate is complemented by a recruitment drive for a fresh business development team, aimed at reinforcing the cruise line’s trade interactions. Caroline Smith, Regent’s managing director, explicates that the portal is meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of its agent partners, ranging from those well-versed in booking Regent cruises to those new to the brand. “We are really opening the lid and sharing all of the data and all of the insights we have as a company with our agent partners,” Smith states, a move she describes as groundbreaking due to its transparency and utility in target market identification.
Regent is also striving to increase its agent network within the UK, inviting those eager to delve into the ultra-luxury segment. Smith acknowledges the complexity of selling such exclusive products but highlights the snowball effect of initial success, which can lead to substantial commission and earning potential for agents. Odell adds a strategic perspective by advocating for agents to consider consumers outside the conventional cruise market, particularly those favouring high-end terrestrial accommodations.
Further reflecting on the industry’s resilience, Odell notes the post-COVID resurgence, indicating that cruising is regaining its momentum, surpassing the performance of previous years. The cruise industry, while a fractional component of the broader holiday market, is gradually expanding its influence, evidenced by increased business in areas like Alaska and enhanced travel offerings to destinations such as the Caribbean. This growth trajectory underscores not only the sector’s recovery but its enduring allure for both consumers and travel professionals.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises continues to innovate and expand its reach, redefining trade engagement in the luxury cruise sector.
