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Norwegian and agents to show Escape virtually
Lee Hayhurst and Hollie-Rae Merrick
UK travel agents are to take part in what Norwegian Cruise Line claims will be the world’s first virtual cruise ship launch.
The operator has teamed
up with Zolv to use a specially adapted version of the technology specialist’s Full Picture call centre sales system. The technology will use video and new 360-degree footage to showcase new ship Norwegian
Escape to customers via webinars co-hosted by agents and Norwegian. More than 5,000 potential
customers are expected to ‘experience’ the ship over three weeks from November 2 after 25 agencies signed up to host a series of virtual launches. The vessel, the first of a new
class for Norwegian, was launched in Southampton this week with 600 agents and 2,500 of their customers due to go on board. Nick Wilkinson, Norwegian business development manager,
Zolv’s Full Picture system will showcase new ship
said: “This is a world first. “Having a virtual ship launch, as
well as the real deal, will allow us to help our trade partners reach even more customers. “We’ve always looked to develop our ship launches to help the trade capitalise and make bookings – this is an evolution of that.” Wilkinson added: “Zolv’s tech
gives us the ability to interact with a multitude of customers and partners at the same time using
video and still footage to show off what a quality ship offers to clients.” For the first time at a Norwegian ship launch, customers on Escape will also be able to make future bookings, with commission going to the agent hosting them. Wilkinson said customers who
instead book in the following 30 days will have the fee for attending the launch celebrations deducted
from the cost of their booking. ❯ Norwegian Epic, page 25
5 Monarch backs Movember initiative Jennifer Morris
jennifer.morris@
travelweekly.co.uk
Soon-to-be-moustachioed Monarch Group boss Andrew Swaffield is calling on the trade to help the firm raise awareness of a cause close to his heart.
During November, the company
will be known as ‘Mo-narch’ in support of Movember, an annual event that involves people across the world growing facial hair to highlight men’s health issues. Swaffield described Movember
as “an excellent campaign that has personal meaning to my family”. Moustaches have been painted on the nose cones of three of the carrier’s aircraft, while Monarch’s standard logo will be replaced by a ’tache version. Throughout November, passengers with the best moustaches will be offered free seat upgrades. Monarch staff are also being encouraged to grow or display their own ‘mos’. Swaffield said: “As well as being
for a great cause, Movember gives us the opportunity to have some fun internally and with our customers.
6
travelweekly.co.uk 29 October 2015
Andrew Swaffield with one of Monarch’s repainted nose cones
“It shows how engaged Monarch
employees are with the group’s corporate social responsibility. “I’ve got my tache comb ready to
keep my mo looking tip-top.” Swaffield has set up a page on
the Movember website on which he explains that his brother Paul
has prostate cancer. ❯ To donate to Monarch’s Movember fundraising, visit:
uk.movember.com/team/2025521
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