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P&O Cruises touts big growth in meetings at sea
Saturday, 21 Dec, 2016
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Australian cruise line P&O Cruises has recorded big demand for corporate business this year with bookings for meetings at sea up by more than a half.
It saw a 54% increase in bookings during 2016 as its expanded capacity by 50% with the addition of the Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria in late 2015.
The line says overall delegate numbers increased by an even larger rate with 64% more delegates, says P&O Cruises Corporate Groups Sales Manager Rebecca Mutanen.
Average group size was around 50 guests.
"There is no doubt that meetings at sea are appealing to organisers and delegates alike. Not only have we attracted far more corporate guests onboard our ships this year, our forward bookings are very strong and we have a number of 2016 corporate groups booked to return next year which is fantastic to see," Mutanen said.
Sydney was the most popular departure point for corporates with 42% of total bookings, followed by Brisbane at 32%.
P&O’s meetings and incentive program began in 2015 and it has started to see the first repeat bookings this year.
"Repeat guests are our biggest compliment and confirm that our meetings product is really hitting the mark," she added.
Events at sea cost an average of $292 per day, all inclusive, which the line says is much less than a equivalent function on land, Mutanen said.
"Not only is the cruise fare all inclusive – covering meeting space, accommodation, main meals and entertainment – an event at sea is incredibly easy to organise. It’s a winning combination."
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