Seabourn partners with the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) to strengthen travel agent support and expertise.
- Seabourn aims to enhance its trade-facing profile in the touring and adventure travel sector through this new collaboration.
- The luxury cruise line reports that 90% of its UK business operates via travel agents, emphasising their importance.
- Seabourn is committed to sustainability with modern ships using Marine Gas Oil and investing in greener technologies.
- The cruise line reports a 25% increase in bookings for 2023, with high demand for long-haul and polar expeditions.
Seabourn has strategically aligned with the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) to bolster travel agents by aiding them in honing their expertise and increasing sales volumes. Lynn Narraway, the UK and EMEA vice-president, highlighted that the luxury cruise line is uniquely positioned to reach new travel partners and clientele who may not have previously considered cruises within the adventurous travel segment. By offering immersive travel experiences to some of the globe’s most remote destinations, Seabourn’s objectives resonate with Atas’s mission to elevate the profile of touring and adventure travel among trade partners.
Currently, an overwhelming 90% of Seabourn’s UK operations funnel through partnerships with travel agents and tour operators. Central to their strategy is maintaining dynamic relationships with these agents, pivotal to their business model. The cruise line’s development team provides training, webinars, and familiarisation trips to sustain and boost these relationships. Furthermore, the team actively participates in trade events, recognising every travel partner’s potential to bring new clients to Seabourn.
Sustainability remains at the forefront for Seabourn. As expedition and adventure clients are typically environmentally conscious, Seabourn’s ships, such as the Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, utilise Marine Gas Oil – the cleanest viable marine fuel. The cruise line invests in innovative future fuels and energy solutions to decarbonise its fleet, aligning with both consumer expectations and regulatory standards.
The cruise line’s booking trends have been compelling, with a remarkable 25% increase in 2023. There is a noteworthy interest in long-haul destinations, including Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Caribbean, alongside a robust demand for polar expeditions. Additionally, the company has witnessed a rise in multi-generational travel groups seeking unique ways to celebrate special occasions, finding Seabourn’s offerings appealing.
The Atas director, Claire Brighton, expressed enthusiasm about Seabourn’s membership, lauding the diverse itineraries that promise to captivate clients within the touring and adventure travel sector. This strategic alliance ensures that travel agents have a plethora of options to enrich their knowledge and heighten their sales success. Seabourn’s proactive engagement methods, including increased social media activity and bespoke marketing support, exemplify its commitment to the trade.
Seabourn’s collaboration with Atas signifies a pivotal step in enhancing its footprint in the touring and adventure travel sector, driven by a commitment to excellence and sustainability.
