Luxury small-ship cruise line Unforgettable Croatia is doubling its efforts to cater to Australian travellers, marking a significant move for travel agents and tour operators who have seen a growing interest in Croatia. With Australians now accounting for 15% of their guests, the company has expanded its local team to better support the market, giving travel professionals access to more support and resources.
Since launching in 2015, Unforgettable Croatia has steadily attracted Australian travellers seeking luxury cruises along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast. To meet growing demand, Business Development Manager Sarah Whitty, who has spearheaded Australian operations for the past six years, has been joined by European travel expert Aurore Bertomeu in Melbourne. Together, they will provide enhanced support for travel agents.
Graham Carter, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Unforgettable Croatia, emphasised the importance of this local expansion.
“We’ve seen big growth in bookings from Australia over the past two years and want to better support travel agents by having a stronger local presence.”
Carter explained that with Aurore on board, agents can now expect faster responses to enquiries and more opportunities for in-store visits and training. For agents, this means smoother communication and a stronger partnership as demand for Croatian travel heats up.
Why Croatian cruises?
Croatia’s stunning coastline, featuring picturesque islands and crystal-clear waters, has captivated travellers worldwide. Australians, in particular, have shown a growing interest in Unforgettable Croatia‘s small-ship sailings. This preference can be likely attributed to the exclusive and intimate nature of these cruises. With a fleet of only six luxury ships, each accommodating a maximum of 38 guests, these sailings offer a more personalised experience compared to the larger, more crowded cruise liners.
The itineraries, which sail from May to October, allow travellers to visit iconic spots like Dubrovnik and Split while uncovering lesser-known gems accessible only to smaller vessels.
“We operate the newest and most sought-after fleet of small ships in Croatia,” Carter explained, highlighting that their cruises explore both popular destinations and hidden hideaways.
How Unforgettable Croatia supports travel agents
With Sarah and Aurore now both based in Australia, agents will have greater access to personalised support and training opportunities.
“I have settled in well in Melbourne and am looking forward to working with our travel agent partners to spread the word about our unforgettable Croatian experiences,” Aurore said.
Her extensive background in travel and hospitality means agents will benefit from expert insights into creating bespoke pre- and post-cruise itineraries, adding value to client bookings.
This hands-on support extends to the road, too. In early 2025, Sarah and Aurore will embark on Unforgettable Croatia’s fifth Australian roadshow, visiting agents in Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide. These face-to-face sessions will help agents looking to sharpen their knowledge of Croatia and enhance their sales strategies.
Here’s what the strengthened presence means for you:
- Better access to support: With Aurore joining the team, agents will benefit from timely responses to queries and more flexibility for in-person training sessions and store visits.
- Enhanced client experiences: Whether it’s crafting a tailored pre-cruise stay in Europe or finding the perfect shore excursions, Aurore’s expertise in European travel will help you create unforgettable client experiences.
- Commission opportunities: With a competitive commission structure or net rates, agents have a strong incentive to promote Unforgettable Croatia’s cruises. Plus, a quick 24-hour turnaround on trip requests ensures smooth planning.
With Australians already making up a significant 15% of the company’s business (and that number expected to grow) agents have a lucrative opportunity to introduce their clients to one of Europe’s hottest travel destinations.
The competitive edge
What sets Unforgettable Croatia apart from other cruise operators in the region is its ability to offer a high-end, intimate experience. The luxury ships are 170ft long, boasting no more than 19 spacious cabins, many featuring private balconies. This means clients get to sail in comfort and style, with personalised service at every turn. And with their well-established local network, Unforgettable Croatia ensures that guests enjoy immersive experiences at each port, from private wine tastings to off-the-beaten-path excursions.
