Travel 2 joins CLIA
Travel 2 is aiming to strengthen its position in the cruise market by joining industry body CLIA.
The company said its Cruise Plus by Travel 2 product, launched five years ago, has seen a 30% year on year rise in sales.
It has expanded its sales team, which has gone up from four to 20, and increased the number of supplies it works with from nine to more than 30.
Cruise Plus sales to South America are up 145%, sales to South East Asia have risen 35%, while its European cruise departures are up 32%.
In response to an overall 15% increase in passenger numbers, the operator is launching its first dedicated river cruise mini brochure next month featuring Europe, Canada, Africa, South America, the US and Asia within16 itineraries.
Lisa McAuley, managing director – dnata Travel B2B Europe said:
"The year on year growth figures for our Cruise Plus product speak for themselves. It is a huge success story for our business and one we want to continue to invest in and grow.
"Every business decision is made first and foremost for our agent partners and having a dedicated river cruising sales tool plus the new partnership with CLIA is not only the next step in terms of growth but also cements our position as one of the leading agent operators in cruising."
Travel 2 will introduce Cruise Plus to more agents at the CLIA Conference in May, when it will be given the headline tour operator sponsor slot.
CLIA UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer said: "Working with this well-respected and long-established trade brand is great for all our agent members, as the relationship will bring new training and learning opportunities in both the river and ocean cruise sectors."
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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