Despite the economic downturn, there is some good news to be had in the travel world. Host agency Expedia CruiseShipCenters reports another sales milestone by booking a record $14.9 million in cruises during their annual one-day aale promotion. The sale, which featured Princess Cruises departures through to 2011, surpassed last year’s total by $1.4 million – a 10 percent increase.
Exceptional pricing paired with reduced deposits, onboard credits and group amenities provided customers with more than enough incentive to book during the sale, Expedia CruiseShipCenters says. The Caribbean is still the most popular cruise destination; however, this year’s promotion saw a 73 percent increase in Europe and exotic sales with 28 percent of guests booking cruises lasting 14 days or longer.
“This is the fourth year for the promotion which began as a unique way to showcase the world of cruising. We are continuously inventing new ways to tell our customers that this is a great time to book a cruise by creating more enticing offers and sending more personalized marketing,” according to Geraldine Ree, senior vice president, sales and marketing.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters hosts more than 2,000 independent agents who took full advantage of the 1 Day Sale promotion to increase their business. Agents can learn about the next promotions, the 25 Days of Free Cruise Giveaways and the World Explorer event, at webinars slated for July 14, 15 and 16.
Visit www.cruiseshipcenters.com.