19 September 2008

Youtravel.com plots cruise expansion

A dedicated cruise section has been introduced by accommodation-only firm Youtravel.com as it prepares to grow in the sector.

The company plans to expand beyond Nile cruises and a partnership with easyCruise by adding more suppliers.

Cruises can now be accessed via a dedicated tab on Youtravel home page. Previously they were found via the destination tags, such as Turkey or Greece.

Sales and marketing director Paul Riches said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœCruise is one of the fastest-growing areas of the UK travel industry and one which is still predominantly booked through the trade.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe believe that by teaming up with youtravel.com, cruise lines are able to access different audiences and attract new cruisers.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœLikewise we are able to offer our agent partners the breadth of product theyÃ¢â¬â¢ve come to expect from us.Ã¢â¬~

Top cruise sellers include late September and early October easyCruise itineraries from Athens and Bodum.

Paul Ellerby, easyCruise sales and marketing director UK and USA, said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœNow that easyCruise is bookable through youtravel.com in the same way that Greece and Turkey hotels are booked, even agents who are new to cruise can start selling.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœIn the first year of our partnership we have seen huge demand for cruises out of Bodrum in particular where agents can also add a resort stay in Turkey.Ã¢â¬~

by Phil Davies