Australian Travel Agents will have access to the “most rewarding travel partner programme ever created” as Virgin Voyages confirms plans to bring First Mates Down Under.
Tom McAlpin, the President & Chief Executive of Richard Branson’s cruise venture, revealed this morning that Aussie Agents are a priority for Virgin Voyages and they’ll have access to both general sales and commissions.
Hop aboard First Mates, or read on for more of what McAlpin said at Cruise360 Australasia in Sydney today.
HOW WILL AUSSIE AGENTS GAIN ACCESS TO THE LINE?
Virgin Voyages has teamed up with Travel the World as its general sales agent (GSA) to open in the Australian travel market by the end of this year.
Through Travel the World, Australian Travel Agents will have access to training that’ll make them experts on the cruise line, and they’ll be encouraged to register as First Mates.
Additionally, they’ll host training roadshows along the East Coast of Australia from 16 October 2019, and assist in the sales of the line’s inaugural seasons.
YOU KEEP SAYING FIRST MATES, WHAT IS THAT?
First Mates is just a cute term Virgin Voyages uses to refer to Travel Agents who have registered to know and do business with the line.
Registration in Australia will be available from September onwards, while plans to expand into New Zealand are still underway.
As First Mates, consultants will receive a base commission of 10 percent on any and all areas of a transaction. This means consultants will make money on the entire transaction from the fare, add-ons (such as flights), hotel stays, insurance, shore excursions, spa treatments and more.
Additionally, they can sign up for a Red Hotel Bonus of six percent that’s paid annually when First Mates meet certain production thresholds.
WHY ARE AUSSIE AGENTS SO IMPORTANT TO THE LINE?
McAlpin said the Virgin family has a “long history” with the Australian market, not to mention a “deep love” of the country.
“We are thrilled to be able to begin what we know will be an exciting partnership with First Mates here.”
Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages President & Chief Executive
OKAY, SO WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE LINE?
Virgin Voyages currently has four ships on order, due for delivery in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
The brand’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, will sail four, five and seven-night sailings to the Caribbean from Miami beginning in April of next year. All voyages will feature a stop in Bimini, Bahamas, home of The Beach Club, a Mediterranean-inspired private beach club exclusively for Virgin Voyages’ Sailors (passengers) while the ship is on the island.
Virgin Voyages will offer a Rebellious Luxe experience with incredible value for Sailors with free fitness classes, free dining with 20+ eateries included, free gratuities, free Wi-fi, free filtered water and all sodas included in the voyage fare.
For more information, call Travel the World at 1300 857 037 or email sales@traveltheworld.com.au.
Click here for more information on the cruise line.