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Carnival resumes preferred supplier status with WESTA

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Carnival's Adolfo Perez looks forward to growing West Coast sales with WEST member agencies
Carnival Cruise Line signed a preferred supplier agreement with the Western Association of Travel Agents consortium (WESTA).

The partnership, which becomes effective Jan. 1, will entail a focused program with Carnival business development managers engaging with WESTA members to define shared strategies and marketing plans, and initiate brand and product training.

New West Coast Fun Ship

'I am excited to welcome Carnival Cruise Line back into WESTA's preferred supplier program,' said WESTA chief operating officer Mike Estill. 'Given their increasingly strong presence on the West Coast and our member agency footprint, the partnership is a natural fit. And with the new Carnival Panorama being delivered in our backyard later this year, this is the perfect time to engage our clients with Carnival's improved and expanded offerings for West Coast clients.'

Proven leader

'WESTA is a proven leader offering a more personal experience, targeted supplier networks and phenomenal support for its members,' said Adolfo Perez, SVP sales and trade relations for Carnival. 'Becoming a WESTA preferred supplier enables us to tap into our mutual expertise and grow our West Coast cruise business. We look forward to building a relationship with WESTA member agencies.'

The agreement is Carnival’s latest move to expand its presence on the US West Coast. Earlier this year the line unveiled an improved and enlarged terminal at Long Beach, California, and announced that its third Vista-class ship, Carnival Panorama, would be introduced there. Carnival is also expanding shoreside facilities at Ensenada, Mexico, with details to come.

Carnival sister brands Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are also WESTA preferred suppliers.