Travel Counsellors has unveiled two strategic initiatives to strengthen its cruise sales. This measure comes on the heels of record-breaking cruise bookings last year.
- A ‘Set Sail’ programme has been established, targeting 150 agents new to cruise sales, integrating cruising into their business models.
- The organisation plans to appoint cruise ambassadors to support both novice and seasoned cruise experts.
- Travel Counsellors recorded over £60 million in cruise sales, with a significant percentage of agents participating.
- The initiatives aim to deepen expertise and offer unique experiences in the growing cruise market.
Travel Counsellors has positioned itself at the forefront of the cruise industry by launching twin initiatives aimed at reinforcing its cruise sales operations. These moves are informed by the company’s exceptional performance over the past year, where it surpassed £60 million in cruise bookings, and 58% of travel counsellors were involved in cruise transactions.
Central to these initiatives is the introduction of a ‘Set Sail’ programme. This programme is specifically tailored to accommodate 150 agents who are relatively new to the world of cruise sales. It aims to facilitate the integration of cruising into their existing business operations, thereby broadening their service offerings.
Furthermore, the company is committed to forming a dedicated team of cruise ambassadors. These ambassadors will play a pivotal role in mentoring and supporting travel agents, irrespective of their level of expertise in cruise dealings. This initiative follows the successful implementation of specialist ambassadors for Disney, adventure, and touring sectors.
Participants of the six-month ‘Set Sail’ programme will receive comprehensive training delivered through a blend of digital, virtual, and face-to-face sessions. The programme includes monthly spotlight sessions featuring collaborations with key suppliers, support team members, and the newly appointed cruise ambassadors. Notably, those who successfully complete the programme will be granted an exclusive opportunity to experience a short voyage on Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest vessel, the Aqua, prior to its inaugural journey.
The strategic vision behind appointing cruise ambassadors within the community is to further bolster the programme. The company intends this effort to empower travel entrepreneurs by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to scale their businesses effectively.
Janet Whittingham, the head of cruise, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to aiding travel entrepreneurs by stating, “We are committed to empowering our travel entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to scale their business in a way that suits them.” She added that these initiatives are aimed at enabling the community to embrace the booming cruise market and the unprecedented sales it is generating.
The end goal is to not only broaden the expertise of the participants but also to provide distinctive opportunities for experiencing the latest in cruise offerings. This aligns with the company’s overarching aim of helping customers cultivate a deeper appreciation for global exploration through cruising.
The initiatives by Travel Counsellors signify a strategic thrust towards empowering agents and expanding the cruise market.
