Agents need to capitalise on huge growth in the cruise market, according to research company Tripvision.
Its trends report, revealed to ABTA Convention delegates, forecast that cruising will grow 200% in five years, making it one of the fastest growing sectors of the industry.
“But the majority of sea cruises are booked direct,” said Alan Griffiths, Tripvision research director.
“As the market grows, the cruise companies will differentiate their brand by specializing on certain types of consumer and agents can use this opportunity to become a key source of advice to consumers about which one to choose.”
The Tripvision report also found that bookings to France, already a large outbound market for the UK, are growing by 8%.
“It’s a popular place for second homes and it offers a diverse experience and it’s convenient too, which is what today’s customers want,” said Guy Gillon, associate director for PricewaterhouseCoopers, which jointly presented the Tripvision findings.
He said in order to keep pace with the change in consumer trends, agents need to speciaslise in the customer, destination or activity in order to grow their business.
“Trends are moving in your favour but there are going to be winners and losers,” he told ABTA delegates.
By Bev Fearis
