Despite economic troubles facing some sectors of the U.S. economy, SeaMaster Cruises, a home-based cruise selling franchise group, reports it has enjoyed continued growth in the first months of 2008. General Manager Mark Schiffner said strong cruise demand and a cost-effective franchise model are behind the gains.
Now marking its fourth anniversary, SeaMaster Cruises continues to grow faster than the national average, increasing its overall number of franchise units by 27 percent over the last year alone, to a total of 128. According to FRANdata, a research unit, less than 3 percent of all travel-related franchise systems can boast growth of more than 25 percent over a three-year period.
The SeaMaster Cruises network began in May 2004 and attracted 33 franchisees in its first year of operations. Its steady growth pace has continued even as the economy has been less than robust, welcoming its 128th franchisee in May 2008, Schiffner said.
Schiffner cites three major factors in the network’s success, including overall growth of the dynamic cruise market, SeaMaster’s low franchise fee and franchisee operating costs, as well as strong staff support. The cruise market itself has remained resilient; for example, cruise ship capacity in Europe has grown more than 20 percent in the past year, he noted.
SeaMaster Cruises is part of The Travel Franchise Group, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Travel Acquisitions Group. In addition to SeaMaster Cruises, TTFG brands include: Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates, Cruise Holidays and Results! Travel. Visit www.seamastercruises.com.