NEWS — DIGEST
“Despite having less cash, consumers don’t want to miss out on the chance to get away” Chris Lee, page 30
GAZETTEERS.COM POLL
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST REASON FOR UK OCEAN CRUISE SALES FALLING BY 4.8% LAST YEAR? 30% Poor value 16% Drop in Europe itineraries
54% Lack of ex-UK sailings
Danube’s soaring popularity fuels 6% rise in river cruise numbers from UK
The number of UK passengers taking a river cruise increased by 6% to 139,400 last year. The figure is expected to rise again in 2015, fuelled by the
introduction of 16 river vessels by Clia UK & Ireland members. Europe remains the most popular region, accounting for 86% of UK river cruise passengers. Bookings on the Danube soared by 41%, while cruises combining the Danube and Rhine grew 37%. Numbers taking cruises on Russia’s rivers rose by 15%, while sailings on the Mekong were 55% up and in India 24%. Clia UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer said: “With the
continued investment in new, more innovative ships and the ever-increasing choice and diversity of itineraries in Europe and farther afield, it’s no surprise that more UK passengers than ever are opting for river cruises as their holiday choice.” ❯ Danube cruises: Destinations, page 61
AmaWaterways signs up to Tipto
River cruise line AmaWaterways has joined Tipto as it looks to work more closely with independent agents. UK sales manager Natalie O’Mahoney said Tipto provided a
platform to improve ties with the trade. “The Tipto roadshows will give agents the chance to meet our dedicated sales team, who can provide them with first-hand knowledge of river cruising to assist in developing and building their business and sales within this exciting and growing sector of the industry,” she added.
Heathrow unveils £10m fund to boost regional services Heathrow has created a £10 million route development fund as part of a series of commitments to develop regional flight connections if it is allowed to expand. The airport claimed nine new air links could be established, with frequency increased on the existing seven UK routes.
Enable Travel sends chocs to first-time agent bookers Enable Travel is thanking agents who make their first booking with the operator by sending them boxes of chocolates. The operator, which specialises in holidays for disabled travellers, recently launched its 2015 brochure, featuring more than 250 destinations. Pictured is Jane Karatas of Bailey’s Travel in Leighton Buzzard.
Fab four sing off to be godmother of Anthem
Four finalists have been selected in Royal Caribbean International’s search for an agent godmother for Anthem of the Seas, which launches in April. Agents were asked to submit a short clip of them singing. A panel of judges selected
four finalists: Michaela Masterton, Emma Wilby and Katie Briggs, all of Thomson; and Mecia Holden, of Colchester Travel. The four agents were invited to London, where they sang and were interviewed. The winner, who will be
revealed in Travel Weekly next month, will receive voice coaching, a makeover and ‘the full X-Factor treatment’. She will sing at the naming
ceremony on April 20-22 and at Travel Weekly’s Agent Achievement Awards on July 7. Stuart Leven, UK and Ireland managing director, said: “We always knew we would get some talented agents through, but we didn’t realise just how talented they would be.” He said the job of selecting a winner was difficult and many entries had “raised a smile”. The prize also includes a cruise for two on Anthem.
26 March 2015 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 9
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