Proving that there is vast opportunity for travel industry growth despite current economic challenges, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. reported a record-setting day in the companies’ history on June 9. The companies cite the launch of several exclusive sales and offers as the reason for the day’s surging numbers. The exponential increases were noted in three areas – calls, online leads and bookings: calls saw a 41 percent increase in volume versus previous exclusive sale record, online leads increased by 39 percent increase versus same day last year and bookings increased by 65 percent versus the same day last year.
"CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. are fortunate to be part of World Travel Holdings, because that relationship affords our franchise owners and agents access to cruise line pricing and offers that cannot be found elsewhere," said Dwain Wall, senior vice president and general manager of CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. "This week’s special offers – exclusive promotions negotiated for us by WTH – are prime examples of the unique opportunities our cruise line relationships and buying power give agents who are part of our family."
Contributing factors to the record day include an integrated pre-marketing and training program to prepare franchise owners and agents in advance of the consumer rollout of the exclusive sales, the company said. The agent campaign, a joint effort by the companies’ marketing, training and business development teams, included educational e-mails, “voice shot” agent calls, promotional materials posted on the companies’ proprietary intranet and creatively communicated sales tips. The consumer campaign included a variety of creative e-mails and the use of other online marketing tools.
"Yesterday’s incredible numbers are in part because of the unique offers we’ve negotiated but also because of the advance preparation of our corporate headquarters team," said Steven Hattem, vice president of marketing for CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. "As a company, we make every imaginable investment to ensure the success of our franchise owners and agents. The advance marketing and training that went into this week’s exclusive sales are what has made them such a resounding success."
CruiseOne has more than 550 independently owned cruise travel franchise locations and Cruises Inc., nearly 500 independent contractors.