A number of helloworld agents have jumped aboard the group’s first cruise training program, hello ScholarSHIP, after seeing the financial benefits of the growing cruise sector,
The training program, which launched earlier this year, was created with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to support agents with local and international cruise knowledge.
So far, 60 agents have signed up to become cruise experts through the six-month program.
As part of their training, the consultants have received tailored modules, ships inspections, seminars at sea, business development meetings with cruise line executives, webinars from helloworld’s Head Office and tools to help them sell cruise.
And there’s no better time to have access to all this information than at the start of the very busy Australian cruise wave season, which kicked off last month with the arrival of Diamond Princess.
Helloworld’s Head of Associate and Affiliate Networks, David Padman, said with such as array of ships and things to do on board the ScholarSHIP gives agents the advantage of knowledge, skills and expertise to sell cruising around the world.
“It’s no secret to our industry that Australians love to cruise and cruising popularity only continues to rise.”
David Padman, helloworld Head of Associate and Affiliate Networks
“We are so excited to partner with CLIA on this initiative and are thrilled to have the incredible support of our homeport preferred partner cruise lines.”
As part of a sign up incentive, helloworld is giving recipients that chance to win prizes including a cruise for two; marketing support to create a cruise campaign; invitation to attend the helloworld Frontliners conference in Brisbane as a special guest with VIP benefits; hello ScholarSHIP award; a goodie bag; and CLIA accreditation points.
According to the latest CLIA Australasia figures, over one million Aussies set sail last year – an increase of 20.4 percent on the prior year.
The figure is expected to climb this year as the local fleet expands with seven new ships including Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas; Princess’ Golden Princess; P&O’s newbies, Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria; Holland America’s Noordam; plus Celebrity Millennium.
Earlier this week, Travel Counsellors revealed its agents was reaping the benefits of the growing sector plus last month’s Cruise Month, with a 57 percent increase in cruise bookings compared to the same month last year. Read more in yesterday’s Need to Know.
