Direct sell hits agents’ cruise sales
Agents’ share of cruise sales dropped in 2003 for the second year running, new figures reveal.
The decline from 82% in 2002 to 78% last year has been blamed on increased direct sell.
The drop was highlighted in the Passenger Shipping Association’s 2003 annual cruise review, which showed that two-thirds of all cruises were booked within six months of departure and two out of five within three months. The number booked more than a year ahead rose marginally from seven per cent to eight per cent.
The PSA said: “Although they remain by far the major way to buy a cruise, travel agents’ share of sales fell for the second year running. As what few internet cruise sales there are mainly come through travel agency sites, this drop must reflect an increase in more traditional direct sales.”
As reported by TravelMole, the PSA review showed that the number of UK passengers taking cruises topped the one million mark for the first time last year, with spending reaching more than £1 billion.
The PSA predicts that the number of people taking ocean cruises will rise from 960,000 in 2003 to 1.3 million in five years. A 10% growth in UK cruise passengers is forecast for this year, fuelled by a rise in first time cruisers.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season