Cruise sales set a swell

THE cruising market is
set to become more
lucrative for travel
agents, with sales growing
rapidly each year.
According to the recent
Industry Outlook Report
published by the Cruise
Lines International
Association (CLIA), nearly
three out of four travel
agents (73%) expect
increased sales this year.
To bolster this finding, a
quarter of those agents are
anticipating sales increases
of 10% or more.
“We estimate we will
double our production in
the next three years,” says
George Argyropoulos, ceo of
Cruises International.
Cruising is gaining in
popularity on an annual
basis, says George. He says
the reasons range from
the fact that it is extremely
affordable; all inclusive; that
travellers can see multiple
destinations without the
hassle of travelling; and that
it caters for all lifestyles, life
stages and budgets.
George says the
Mediterranean and the
European rivers are still
the most popular for South
Africans, mainly because of
the history, culture, great
weather, shopping and
variety of destinations.
Cindy D’Aoust, president
and ceo of CLIA, said: “A
key finding from the report
is that, as people continue
to travel the globe, travel
agents are playing a vital
role in matching travellers’
desires to the right cruise
experience, both near
and far.”
In South Africa, travel
consultants also have a key
role to play, says George.
“The public are not familiar
with the product and, in
itself, it is complicated.
There is a myriad of choices
of brands, ships, types of
accommodation, lifestyle
offerings and pricing to
choose from.” He adds that
travel agents who educate
themselves about cruising
are likely to profit from
selling it.