Agents in the UK are being offered a revamped online training programme from Holland America Line as the company prepares to heighten its presence in Europe.
The premier line will have seven ships in the region in summer 2011, including three sailing from UK ports.
As a result, the HAL Academy Training Curriculum has been re-designed especially for the UK trade.
The programme is divided into six core courses using video and the latest interactive technology.
Subjects covered include an introduction to premium cruising, a sales primer, identifying Holland America Line and cruise prospects, an overview of destinations and an overview of available sales support. A final course focuses on growing group business.
Graduates receive a signed certificate with their name on it and a $50 shipboard credit for any time they sail on a “Travel Agent Appreciation” fare.
HAL managing director of UK business Lynn Narraway said: “This training programme is ideal for agents to grow their cruise business and build their knowledge of Holland America Line.
“And now we’ve tailored HAL Academy for travel professionals, by adapting, updating and improving all the content of the courses.
“In these times it’s important for agents to take advantage of every training opportunity available. HAL Academy is already highly acclaimed in the USA – it’s easy, it’s full of selling tips and strategies, and even more importantly, it’s free,”
Narraway added: “For summer 2011, Holland America Line will have seven ships in Europe, three of them sailing round-trip ex-UK, showing HAL’s commitment to growing the brand in the UK. So now’s the time to become a HAL Academy graduate and sell more of our premium cruises.”
Once they have completed all the modules and received their graduation certificate, they can add an extra five points to their profile which counts towards ACE accreditation and Ambassador status.
by Phil Davies
Cruise
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