NCLH chief praises agents’ support Samantha Mayling


The chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has praised the “tremendous” backing from UK travel agents for the company’s trade initiatives. Harry Sommer said he was


“thrilled” with trade support following ship visits, training, joint marketing and the introduction of commission on parts of fares that are usually non-commissionable. Sommer made his comments on a


Travel Weekly webcast in Barcelona on Norwegian Viva, NCL’s second Prima- class ship, which launched this month. “We are 100% committed to the


trade,” he said. “We win together and we will do everything in our power to make you a success because you make us a success.” NCL recently started paying


commission on elements of fares such as port fees and other charges. Sommer said the move had been


well received, adding: “We believe that we maximise our profitability when we get the trade community fully behind us – we can’t win without them.” NCL is committed to welcoming


1,500 agents on board its ships between May and October. Sommer said the agents visiting


new ship Viva could see its innovative design, restaurants and entertainment for themselves, such as the theatre that transforms into a nightclub. NCLH’s three brands – NCL,


Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – are seeing demand for more “destination-intensive” cruises, with longer durations, and bookings made further in advance. NCL cruises from Southampton


to Reykjavik have been a “fantastic success” for the past two summers, according to Sommer, and will operate again next year. However, he said there was not enough demand for more departures from Southampton, as customers are happy to fly to


Tipto marks silver anniversary with a series of events


Juliet Dennis


Tipto is launching an appeal to track down past chairs and information about the history of the organisation, as it prepares to mark 25 years in existence. The supplier marketing body is


planning extra events to celebrate its anniversary, including a first Chairman’s Lunch next summer.


6 31 AUGUST 2023 The news coincides with Tipto


reaching its maximum number of 25 suppliers for the start of its 25th year – up from 20 this year. Tipto’s years run from September to August. The six new members joining on


September 1 include two announced in the past week: Red Sea Holidays; and JG Travel, under its Just Go Holidays and National Holidays brands. Palladium Hotel Group is leaving


the organisation after four years. There will be 29 roadshows and


four SuperShows during the year – both up two on the 2022-23 year. As well as the Chairman’s Lunch,


Tipto will be marking its 25th year with three training days, its annual afternoon tea and a VIP event. The Chairman’s Lunch will host


Mediterranean ports to board ships. Sommer insisted the group can


“absolutely, positively” fill its existing vessels and the three new ships being added in 2023. Oceania launched Vista in May,


while Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Grandeur will start sailing in November. “There are so many unserved and


under-served markets that we can go to as we get new ships,” said Sommer. “The constraint we have in the


industry is not demand, it’s supply.” He pointed to a “remarkable


increase in price discipline” in the wake of the pandemic, adding: “We believe in ‘market to fill’ not ‘discount to fill’. We think we have room for meaningful price increases over time.”


Watch the interview with Harry Sommer in full at: travelweekly.co.uk/media


Harry Sommer with Travel Weekly editor-in- chief Luxy Huxley


Tipto race day, Newbury


about 70 past and present members, as well as key agents. Events director Lorna Willis-


Edwards aims to invite previous chairs, whom she hopes will address guests. But she needs help to track down


those who served before 2007, as well as some founding members. Willis-Edwards also appealed


for more information and stories about Tipto. “We’d love to hear from people who have got any amusing or interesting stories about Tipto to share,” she said. “At the Chairman’s Lunch in


London, we want to get together those who have been involved with Tipto, such as its founding members, together with some key agents.” Willis-Edwards added that she


was “really pleased” to reach 25 supplier members. “We have been talking to some of these suppliers for ages,” she said.


travelweekly.co.uk


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