NEWS — DIGEST
“If agents and cruise lines acted like my local train franchisee, they would soon have no customers” Giles Hawke, page 28
GAZETTEERS.COM POLL
HOW OFTEN DO CUSTOMERS ASK ABOUT THE TYPE OF AIRCRAFT THEY WILL FLY ON? 17% Regularly 75% Occasionally 8% Never
MSC Cruises appoints three reps as it aims to increase business in UK
MSC Cruises has recruited three sales reps as it looks to develop stronger ties with the trade. Laura Montalban and Mark Swords joined from Norwegian Cruise Lines and Travel 2 respectively this week. Alicia Bartlett will join from Carnival UK next month. Speaking about the appointments at Clia UK & Ireland’s Selling Cruise Conference, Giles Hawke, executive director of MSC, said the line now had a nine-strong sales team. “The new sales staff are all extremely passionate and they have the attitude we’re looking for as we look to grow MSC Cruises’ business in the UK,” he added. “We’ve grown our sales team because we want to offer our existing travel agent partners even better support, and we also want to work with new agents.”
Regent Seven Seas seeks sales boss
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is appointing a sales manager to work with agents in the south. Paul Beale, head of sales for the luxury line, said the company
was looking to get more people out on the road. “We want to work more closely with our existing agent partners and to develop relationships with those who feel their client base is well suited to our brand,” he added. “We are putting a focus on looking at new distribution and agents.” Beale said the line had run six roadshows for agents and clients, and planned to host more events in the north and Scotland.
Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing launches the campaign 28 May 2015 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 9
Ryanair gross profits rise by two-thirds to €867m Ryanair’s post-tax profits rose by 66% to €867 million in the year to the end of March. Chief executive Michael O’Leary credited the airline’s efforts to broaden its customer appeal under its Always Getting Better campaign for the growth. Passenger numbers were up 11% to 90.6 million, while load factors rose from 83% to 88%.
Las Vegas and Virgin team up to find best British accent The Las Vegas tourist board has teamed up with Virgin Holidays to launch a nationwide search for the best British accent. Brits can enter by uploading a recording of themselves delivering the tagline ‘What happens here, stays here’ to Twitter by May 29 adding #hearmevegas for a chance to win a trip for two to the city.
Homeworker opens agency in northeast
A Brilliant Travel homeworker has opened a shop in a bid to bring back the traditional approach to booking holidays. Paul Wright, from
Gateshead, opened PW Travel Service in Low Fell last month, focusing on a personalised and bespoke offering. “It’s gone full circle,” he
said. “For years, it’s all been about booking online, but now people are looking for a more personalised, face-to-face service with someone to look after the whole process for them. “They may still do their
research online first, but we’re finding that many now prefer to complete their booking in a store. “It gives added peace of mind and they benefit from our years of expertise and great prices.” Brilliant Travel is part of the Barrhead Travel group, which Wright joined two years ago. Linda Pyle, Barrhead Travel’s managed service travel partner and homeworking director, said: “Paul is passionate about providing a traditional and bespoke service to customers.”
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