The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said that VIP registration is now open for the fourth annual World’s Largest Cruise Night (WLCN) to those agencies and agents who participated in 2007. General registration will begin on Wednesday, August 20. The largest one-day travel agency initiative of its kind takes place October 16, serving as the highlight of CLIA’s National Cruise Vacation Month.
“We are pleased to be able to acknowledge the proactive participants from last year’s event, with exclusive early access to this year’s WLCN registration,” said Bob Sharak, executive vice president of marketing and distribution for CLIA.
In 2007, some 4,000 agents hosted WLCN events. Meanwhile, online Virtual WLCN promotions were estimated to have generated almost 35,000 bookings, $43.3 million in sales and nearly $6 million in commissions. More than 45,000 consumers participated in WLCN "High-Touch Cruise Night” events while 50,000 cruise video downloads occurred via “High-Tech Virtual WLCN” option. The 2007 results represented a sharp increase in WLCN bookings and sales over the previous year and sales are expected to be even higher this year.
In 2008, agents will once again have an opportunity to conduct a traditional “Cruise Night” event at venues ranging from agency offices, local hotels and restaurants, and even convention and exposition facilities. In addition, an enhanced Virtual WLCN option enables them to customize a web page featuring their agency information and a selection of several informative videos from participating CLIA member lines to assist agencies in maximizing their participation in this event. A unique URL will then be created that can be distributed to their clients and new prospects, inviting them to participate remotely.
Visit www.cruising.org.