Virgin Voyages cracks down on agents’ shady sales tactics
Virgin Voyages said it plans to crack down on predatory sales tactics being used by some travel agents.
Some of its ‘First Mate’ travel agent partners are soliciting customers and offering misleading ‘discounts’ to boost their sales.
This has become an ‘important and serious’ issue, says John Diorio, VP of North American Sales.
Diorio sent a warning email to agent partners to stop these activities.
The cruise line says some agents are using a portion of their booking commission to offer a discounted cruise fare to their customers.
This is misleading as it gives the impression the agent has access to cheaper cruise fares than other agent competitors and the cruise line itself.
“We are actively monitoring these tactics and reserve the right to cancel your First Mate account and, in extreme cases, limit or cancel your ability to sail,” the email said.
“We do not think the above actions are in the spirit of a good partnership or fair to your industry colleagues.”
There has also been solicitation of cruise guests onboard ships and in cruise terminals with business cards and flyers promoting specific travel agencies.
Some agents have also solicited Virgin guests on social media to persuade them to shift their booking to them from a competitor or from the cruise line itself.
“As a reminder, when you sail with Virgin Voyages, you are agreeing to our ticket contract which covers onboard solicitation and expressly prohibits the activity in our terms and conditions,” the email added.
Related News Stories: MMGY’s Jonathan Sloan: A Tale of Triumph Amidst Adversity … Christmas all wrapped up at Poland’s dazzling markets – TravelMole Partner News – TravelMole
Related News Stories: Virgin Voyages cracks down on agents' shady sales tactics Virgin Voyages Gets Serious About Protecting Its Unique Cruising ... Virgin Voyages opens sales in more European markets Flight Directors on LinkedIn: We are happy to announce that Steven ... Virgin Voyages launches industry first annual cruise pass Very disappointed with Norwegian, and wanted to share our ... Jet2 passengers warning of Alicante Airport 'congestion' Frontier Airlines GoWild! Pass Holders My girlfriend and I spent 12 days in Morocco at 5-star hotels. The trip ... Top 5 Spring Break Destinations for April 2024 | Virgin Voyages
Learn more about : Virgin Voyages ( N. America )
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026