Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the establishment of a new business development team, significantly boosting its UK trade operations.
- The newly formed team aims to better support agents and uncover potential customers.
- Under the guidance of Ed Lang, the team will include three key roles, with potential for further expansion.
- The UK market is highlighted as crucial, already exceeding performance expectations compared with previous years.
- Chief sales officer Steve Odell encourages agents to explore non-traditional cruise customers to expand the market.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has strategically formed a business development team within its UK trade division to enhance agent support and explore new customer bases. Reporting directly to Paul Beale, vice-president of UK sales, the team features Ed Lang as director, assisted by Caroline Moody. This initiative is part of a broader plan to engage more closely with agents and maximise sales opportunities.
The decision to create this team underlines the importance of the UK market for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. According to Caroline Smith, international managing director, the UK market is performing exceptionally well, surpassing sales benchmarks of previous years. The team, which currently comprises three members, will grow as required to fulfil these dynamic market needs.
Chief sales officer, Steve Odell, has been vocal about the potential for growth within the UK market. He stresses the need for agents to adopt innovative approaches when reaching out to potential cruise customers. This includes targeting travellers who might not traditionally consider cruises, such as those who frequent high-end hotels, safaris, or skiing holidays.
Odell’s approach is supported by the new business development team, which aims to contact and convert non-traditional cruise customers. He cites the necessity for agents to move beyond the existing cruise-centric customer focus towards more diverse client demographics.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ establishment of a dedicated team underscores its commitment to expanding its footprint in the UK market.
