On The Deck: Craig Sulis
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Canada is a destination which has undoubted appeal for UK cruisers. For one, there are few countries which are more ideally suited for cruising. Stunning geography, a developed infrastructure and big destinations mean that for many, it is right up there with the most popular cruising destinations in the world. Combine this with a departure from New York, Boston or even a visit to Alaska and it’s ticking plenty of boxes. We caught up with Craig Sulis, manager of trade and sales for Prince Edward Island – off Canada’s East coast – and member of Atlantic Canada Cruise Association to find out more about the country’s offering.
What work is the association currently doing to promote the region?
The major focus of Atlantic Canada Cruise Association is joint marketing projects with our cruise line partners. We feel our attention is best spent on working with the lines that bring visitors to Atlantic Canada and helping to make their marketing efforts go further to target their customers to attract them to the region. Each line has its own target demographic and working with them, we are able to put forward a specific call to action and connect customers directly with the lines who can supply the cruise experience in our region.
What makes the region one worth visiting?
Cruising is a great way to see some of what Canada offers. Cruisers can meet the locals, experience culture and view the natural beauty of the country. Many shore excursions include Parks Canada sites that let you get a closer look at the human and natural history of the region.
Is it targeting UK trade? If so, how?
We try to work with cruise lines that are visiting Atlantic Canada to ensure their ships are filled. Individual sales calls and participation at Seatrade Med are direct contact method that are sometimes used. Our focus is working with our cruise line partners to ensure they fill their ships quickly and easily. Most major UK cruise lines are visiting Atlantic Canada or have visited in the past; Cunard, MSC, P&O, Costa, Fred Olsen and Saga.
What is Atlantic Cruise Canada’s relationship like with the other Canadian associations?
We have a very close relationship with Cruise Saint Lawrence and also with the Northwest and Canada Cruise Association. We all have the same goals and, especially with Saint Lawrence, when they succeed, so do we. We are not necessarily direct competition – quite the opposite. A cruise itinerary is made up of a number of ports and we need them to grow in order for our region to grow as well. We also have very good relationships with organisations in New England.
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