Virgin becomes ACE member

Virgin Holidays Cruises has joined the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE), taking the total number of travel agency members to 2,200.

ACE has recently invested in a new website and e-learning programme supported by a range of events including a new look ACE Cruise Convention and the Association"s first Expedition Expo being held in September, to be followed by a River Cruise Expo later in the year.

In addition, ACE is working towards National Cruise Week in September with travel agent members being encouraged to hold an Afternoon Tea event to "Get the Nation Talking Cruise".

ACE director Andy Harmer said: "We are delighted to welcome Virgin Holidays into ACE membership. I believe this is a reflection of the tangible benefits now offered by ACE with our newly developed courses, our new learning opportunities and our interactive technology including webinars."

Managing director for Virgin Holidays Cruises Richard Twynam said: "Virgin Holidays Cruises are committed to cruise, and joining ACE as well as launching our new summer campaign including TV advertising at the start of June, are both shining examples of this. Our seven Cruise Champions are based in some of our top performing branches and will particularly benefit from the development that ACE courses offer and we look forward to growing cruise throughout our retail network."

By Linsey McNeill