River and ocean cruise bookings rise
Almost three-quarters of travel agents have seen growth in bookings for both ocean and river cruising, according to the latest CLIA UK & Ireland survey.
The cruise outlook research report also found that over 75% of customers spent more on ocean cruise bookings this year and 72% spent more on river cruises.
Travel agents believe that the reason more people are choosing to cruise is largely because of the number of destinations they can visit on both ocean and river cruises.
Results show that 42% believe that customers are booking earlier.
Agents believe the main reason for customers choosing an ocean cruise is value for money, promotional offers, high standards of service and variety in itinerary and ports of call.
For river cruising specifically, three-quarters of travel agents saw growth in bookings year on year, with agents again citing value for money and standards of service as well as the quality of shore excursions and accommodation options as the main reasons for the increase.
Meanwhile, Iglu Cruise has been named as CLIA’s Online Travel Agency of the Year for the fifth year running. Barrhead Travel was named as high street travel agency of the year. TUI received the Cruise Innovation Award for ‘their reinvention on the high street utilising modern technology and social media and the development of staff training’.
Stuart Leven, VP, Europe, Middle East and Africa and MD of RCL Cruises has been named as new chair of CLIA. He will take over the role from MD of Holland America Line and Seabourn, Lynn Narraway, who has served as chair for two years.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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