NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
enter the arena A
Arena Travel revealed plans to increase sales via the trade at the delayed launch of Arena. Jeannine Williamson reports from Amsterdam
new online portal for UK and Irish travel agents was unveiled at the long- awaited launch of Arena
River Cruises’ flagship Arena, as the line announced it has set a target to source up to 30% of business through the trade. The 192-passenger vessel –
which was delayed for two years because of the pandemic – set sail on its inaugural voyage from Amsterdam last week. Speaking on board, Arena Travel
sales and development manager Tim Fleming said agents were key to raising awareness about the product, and confirmed fam trips were being planned to showcase the ship. “Arena brings an affordable
four-star cruising option to people that may not be used to river cruising and may want to try a river cruise for the first time,” he said. “There are lots of luxury cruise
operators out there but it’s not always what people want to start with. “It’s a very straightforward ship
with three grades of cabins over two decks and the price is very reasonable.”
travelweekly.co.uk He added: “We are delighted to
offer something unique in the UK market to our agents and it is a ship that isn’t complicated to market. “It has a very relaxed atmosphere
and amenities such as tea and coffee 24/7 and daily afternoon tea. It is essentially a four-star floating hotel.” The new online portal, available
through the
arenatravel.com website, enables agents to make, review and add information to bookings. Fares are shown in euros for Irish agents. Fleming added: “As the season
progresses, we hope to offer fam trips as much as we can. The most important thing is for people to see our brand and our product for future sales. “We offer training online and
visits; we attend shows and we will support agency business as much as we can. My wish is to get 25% to 30% of business on our river cruises through the trade; that would make me very happy.” The vessel sails on the Dutch
waterways, the Rhine, the Danube and the Moselle on four to 14-night itineraries leading in from £649 with coach, rail and air travel options.
EXPERTs’ VIEWS
“It is a great ship for the British market. Arena Travel has clearly taken a lot of time and consideration in shaping the product for its customers. I like the friendly atmosphere and home- from-home feel and touches such as the tea and coffee making facilities will go down well with British clients.” Laura Wilson, product and sales manager, Fred Holidays
“It’s great value for money and the ship has been refurbished to a high standard. The staff are superb and the food is brilliant. There are plenty of luxury lines and there is a gap in the market for this level of river cruise. I can also see the potential for groups.” Carol Anne O’Neill, commercial manager, Worldchoice Ireland
“My first impressions are that I was pleasantly surprised and the quality of food is very good for a product of this level. I have been struck by the knowledge and passion of the Arena team and you can see it comes from the heart.” Deirdre Sweeny, general manager, Sunway
7 APRIL 2022 15
PICTURE: Premicon/YPS Yacht Photo Service, Hamburg
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
