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Direct sell hits agents’ cruise sales
Agents’ share of cruise sales dropped in 2003 for the second year running, new figures reveal.
The decline from 82% in 2002 to 78% last year has been blamed on increased direct sell.
The drop was highlighted in the Passenger Shipping Association’s 2003 annual cruise review, which showed that two-thirds of all cruises were booked within six months of departure and two out of five within three months. The number booked more than a year ahead rose marginally from seven per cent to eight per cent.
The PSA said: “Although they remain by far the major way to buy a cruise, travel agents’ share of sales fell for the second year running. As what few internet cruise sales there are mainly come through travel agency sites, this drop must reflect an increase in more traditional direct sales.”
As reported by TravelMole, the PSA review showed that the number of UK passengers taking cruises topped the one million mark for the first time last year, with spending reaching more than £1 billion.
The PSA predicts that the number of people taking ocean cruises will rise from 960,000 in 2003 to 1.3 million in five years. A 10% growth in UK cruise passengers is forecast for this year, fuelled by a rise in first time cruisers.
Report by Phil Davies
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