CRUISE: Bookings for RiverVoyages.com increase four-fold
RiverVoyages.com, part of World Travel Holdings UK, has reported a 400% increase in trading so far this month, compared with the same period last year.
The river cruise specialist’s director James Cole attributes the increase to increased customer choice of destinations, more competitive pricing and a substantial investment by the company into online marketing.
He said: "We have seen a huge upsurge in web traffic over the past few months for searches on river cruise related terms.
"This mode of cruise offers a special insight into a destination, viewing landmarks from a totally different perspective as well as enjoying a completely hassle-free trip.
"We see river cruising growing even further in popularity this year, as both seasoned cruisers and holidaymakers new to cruising look to enjoy this exciting travel experience."
According to the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE), approximately 80,000 people a year book a river cruise, making river cruising one of the fastest growing cruise sectors.
ACE director, Andy Harmer, said he also expects to see "increased market demand for European rivers in 2013, including the Danube and The Rhine."
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled