19 June 2009

Agents get Paul Gauguin Cruises commission boost

A new distribution deal in the UK and France with Paul Gauguin Cruises has been struck by small cruise ship aggregator eWaterways.

Paul Gauguin Cruises owns and operates luxury cruise ship, the Paul Gauguin, in the South Pacific.

The Paul Gauguin was previously marketed by Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

From 2010 eWaterways will become the General Sales Agent for Paul Gauguin Cruises.

In the meantime, agents are being offered increased commission of at least 15% on new bookings on the ship for 90 days from June 17.

The extra commission is applicable to new bookings and to the cruise fare only. Taxes, gratuities and pre-and post tour arrangements are not included in the offer.

eWaterways chief executive Daniela Wagner said: "Next year we will take over agency and consumer marketing for Paul Gauguin Cruises. This is exciting opportunity for us and the UK trade as these are still relatively unknown products.

"Through the partnership between eWaterways and Paul Gauguin Cruises agents will have access new niche cruise experiences for their customers as this is still a relatively unknown product in the UK."

David Giersdorf, president and chief executive of Paul Gauguin Cruises, said: "We are enthused about this new relationship because we view the UK market as strategically important to the company and we look forward to working with the travel agent community.

"We are particularly excited about eWaterways’ aggressive use of technology to support travel sellers of all types and to extend the reach of the Paul Gauguin Cruises’ product in the consumer market."