Viking River Cruises is implemening a new, industry-leading commission structure as the cruise line will pay commission on every aspect of a client’s booking— from cruise and air to shore excursions, port charges, taxes, fees, travel protection plans and more. Viking River Cruises now features the trade’s only fully commissionable program.
“This unprecedented commission policy was developed with input from leaders in the travel agency community, and it is very simple,” comments Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises. “If an agent sells a Viking River Cruises itinerary, they earn a commission on all of it. Our partners will be paid for everything they sell.”
In addition, to the industry-exclusive payment on air, port charges, taxes and fees, Viking will offer many other commissionable upgrades— such as Premium Economy or Business Class air upgrades, beverage packages, gift orders and more— to make the most out of the guests’ river cruise experience while increasing the agents’ profit from the reservation. The new commission program will apply to all new 2010 and 2011 bookings, and Viking will continue to pay commissions 29 days prior to departure.
Since Viking started its operations in the U.S. 10 years ago, the company has provided the most inclusive cruise pricing in the industry. Thus, brochure prices include shore excursions with each program, use of WiFi (where technically available) and also port charges, an industry exclusive. Air prices are also inclusive of governmental fees and charges as well as airport transfers. Starting with the 2010 season, Viking’s promotions feature complimentary wine with dinner, another inclusive benefit. This new commission program is an extension of the all-inclusive formula and provides additional earning potential to the travel agency community.
“Currently, our average commissions are more than $1,000 per booking; by commissioning everything, earnings will increase by an average of $100, and agents will have an even greater incentive to sell Viking,” said Hagen.
Agents who have registered at Viking’s travel agent portal can create their own co-branded Viking web site, allowing them to give clients access to current Viking information but featuring their own agency name, contact information and logo.
Visit www.vikingrivercruises.com/agents.