Traveltek promotes cruise opportunities at ITB Asia

It’s undeniable that cruise is currently the topical buzzword in travel and at ITB Asia this year there will be more of a focus than ever on the cruise industry. Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) has announced its inaugural participation at the event, organising a two-hour cruise seminar offering tips to assist travel agents to sell cruise.

As a leading cruise software supplier, Traveltek is keen to advise travel professionals how they can capitalise on this growing demand, with the correct technology in place.

On hearing the announcement of the latest CLIA seminar promoting the opportunities within the Asian cruise market, Paul Millan, Traveltek Senior Vice President – APAC said: "CLIA’s participation at ITB Asia is a reflection of the undeniable increase in cruise appeal globally.

"Cruise travel is steadily on the rise, with cruise passenger numbers in Asia registering double-digit year on year growth. Giving travel professionals the correct tools to provide easy cruise booking journeys will maintain its upward trajectory."

Traveltek’s advanced cruise packaging software gives agents the flexibility that no other system on the market currently provides, offering them the ability to curate and package intricate cruise holidays. The platform enables travel companies to present multiple pre- and post- cruise, flight, hotel and transfer options that allow cruise itineraries to take on a whole new dimension.

Traveltek has worked with the world’s leading cruise lines and provides ship descriptions, detailed cabin information and supporting images to bring cruise packages to life. Traveltek’s experienced content team ensures the database of available cruises is up to date and accurate on a daily basis, giving users of the technology the commercial edge over their competitors.

Numerous recent articles have highlighted a specific sector of cruising which, until now, has been largely overlooked: river cruising. Discussing the growth of the river cruise market in Asia, CLIA Regional Manager, Jiali Wong, said: "Asia is poised to have the same kind of growth that European river cruising has had over the past decade with a bevy of new ships launching in the region in recent years.

"A river cruise holiday is ‘an easy sell’ because of the multitude and variety of cultural experiences available across the region. With many consumers looking for authentic experiences, river cruising is an excellent way for them to experience Asia, taste the great food and enjoy life."

This development in river cruising is one that Traveltek predicted many years ago and the company has invested a lot of time and energy into ensuring its platform is adapted to both ocean and river cruising. Traveltek’s is the only system currently available with river cruise suppliers and, with over 190 ocean and river operators integrated, presents the largest range of aggregated cruise content on the market.

"We are leading the way in terms of cruise technology, especially within the more niche sectors like river cruise and fly cruise," said Paul Millan. "With this in mind, we look forward to helping travel businesses in the Asia Pacific region take advantage of the growing demand."

Traveltek will be exhibiting at ITB Asia between the 17^th and 19^th October at stand A18.

For more information visit www.traveltek.com