1) What does your role include and how long have you held it?
I joined CMV in 2010 at an exciting stage in our development when we were just getting ready to launch a second ship. In just seven years, our ocean fleet has expanded to five ships with a capacity close to 100,000 passengers to become what we consider to be Britain’s largest and leading independent cruise line.
Backed by a very talented business development and sales support team, my role focusses on developing trade business though a wide range of cooperative sales & marketing initiatives. An astonishing 80% of our sales are driven by trade which we are most definitely delighted with and we sincerely thank all our trade partners for their continued support.
2) What are your recent updates and plans for the next 12 months?
With the addition of Columbus, adding an extra 25% capacity to our cruise programme, I need to look at which of our trade partners can in turn harness this opportunity and in turn grow their business with us. I am certainly receiving considerable desire to do so from many of our travel agent partners. And now, with more departure ports than any other cruise line, there are great opportunities for travel agents across the UK.
3) What type of customer does CMV suit, briefly explain the product?
Our fleet of smaller to mid-sized cruise ships appeal to those who find the mega resort style ships too large and prefer a more intimate environment with personal service from a friendly and attentive crew. Our scenic cruise programme offers a wide choice of fascinating itineraries ideally suited to a more mature audience looking for scenic splendour and cultural interest. With a choice of 11 UK departure ports, CMV offer the most convenient way to start a cruising holiday.
4) How do you work with the travel trade?
The travel trade is our life blood and we aim to work with agents as closely as possible to build our businesses profitably together. Our team of Business Development Managers are there to assist with marketing initiatives and training. We are also members of TIPTO where agents can learn more about us in a relaxed and fun environment. Plus we offer an extremely comprehensive ‘ship visit programme’ enabling agents to step on board and see the ships first hand. A delicious lunch is also included.
5) Why should agents sell a CMV cruise?
CMV is Britain’s leading independent cruise line offering scenic cruising holidays from 11 UK ports. Guests can enjoy a more traditional British cruise experience on board smaller to mid-sized classic- style cruise ships. A true alternative to the otherwise mega resort-style ships built today.
We offer 12.5% enhanced basic commission; promotional support; and importantly, no book direct discounts. With 95% of our guests rating their cruise experience as good or excellent and with more and more returning each year, why shouldn’t agents sell CMV?
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