Australian cruise consortium Cruiseco has opened a new UK office and bought a high-profile UK web address.
The Sydney-based cruise speciaist, which was founded in 2000, exclusively distributes through a network of 230 independent travel agent members and is now the largest provider of cruise holidays in Australia.
It has now opened a UK office in Birmingham and bought the domain name www.cruising.co.uk following significant research and planning.
Cruiseco CEO and founder, Steve Lloyd said: "Cruiseco is a committed advocate of street front ‘bricks and mortar’ agencies who offer the cruise lines exceptional and alternative distribution when bought together in a cohesive marketing group.
"We offer both travel agents and cruise lines a support package that can significantly increase their cruise sales.
"Our ABTA and ATOL applications are well advanced, commercial terms have been agreed with a good base of cruise lines and we’ve paid a significant sum for www.cruising.co.uk to sit alongside the .com.au site".
The UK office is run by Royal Caribbean International’s former head of sales Mark Walter who is aiming for a November launch.
He said that a small team will be recruited in the coming months to support the business offering reservations, operations, sales and marketing functions.
Walter added: "We are highly committed to our UK plan and I welcome the opportunity to talk with trade partners who share our vision and want to become part of something unique".
