Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed it will not be abandoning direct sales and focusing solely on the trade, despite reports saying otherwise.
The cruise giant said although its sales efforts will be ‘heavily focused’ on trade initiatives over the next year, consumers will still be able to book direct through its website and its UK reservations number.
They may also receive direct marketing messages from the cruise line, it explained.
It clarified its strategy after announcing a new trade tales approach for 2017, which includes a new loyalty scheme, Loyalty Rocks Club, where agents can earn 1 Point for every £1 booked.
Points can be exchanged for High Street vouchers, holidays, gifts, and experiences.
It has also revamped its training programme and is giving agents the chance to win a place on a three-day weekend in Ibiza as an incentive for booking Carnival Cruise Line during its annual WAVE promotion.
The UK office has also been given the remit of international sales.
"It means that the UK operation will be the main hub outside of North America for the growth of international sales for the brand – and this is key in our 2017 strategy moving forward," said Iain Baillie, VP of UK and international sales, Carnival Cruise Line UK.
