Expedia CruiseShipCenters offers member agents a toolkit of promotions to help them find new customers and retain them, and is offering free webinars to show agents how to use them effectively.
Pat Heathfield, sales manager, for Expedia CruiseShipCenters, details the three point program and notes strong consumer support of the initiatives. “CLIA research shows that 60 million people want to take a cruise vacation," he said. "And what better way to make sure they book with you than to offer them a chance to sail for free? Over 170,000 people entered our 25 Days of Free Cruise Giveaways contest this year and of those entrants, 83 percent subscribed to receive at least one destination specific newsletter from their personal agent. Now our agents are staying top of mind with more travelers than ever before.
“Nine out of 10 people who cruise say they will cruise again," Heathfield continued. "Their first cruise may be to the Caribbean, but before long they’ll be cruising further, longer and to more exotic destinations. Our World Explorer promotion features offers from 14 different premium, deluxe, luxury and river cruise lines. With onboard credits, reduced deposits and unbelievable savings, cruise sales are already up 66 percent over the same time last year!
“Expedia CruiseShipCenters booked $14.9 million in Princess Cruises during this year’s 1 Day Sale," Heathfield said. "Whether it’s their first cruise or fifteenth cruise, guests who sail with Princess are among the most loyal in the industry. Our 1 Day Sale’s integrated marketing, exclusive bonus offers and incredible value will bring new clients to your business and have them looking forward to this promotion year after year.”
Seventy-eight percent of cruise vacations are booked through a travel agent, Heathfield reminds agents. Call 888-316-1333 or visit www.cruiseshipcenters.com.
Webinar Schedule
Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28: 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. All times EST.
Thursday, October 29: 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. All times EST.