Plus, new virtual cruise nights and a groups concierge are other ways the company is helping agents.
'Our agents’ success is our only business, so everything we do is to support our franchisees and independent agents,' svp Debbie Fiorino said.
The year's first promotion, 'It's Snow Secret,' which offered an on-board credit for cruises and a vacation credit for resort stays, led to record sales. Agents individually experienced an average of 43% sales growth and a 27% increase in bookings.
Bookings show consumers are purchasing more balcony accommodations and suites. Their destination of choice is still the Caribbean, while Europe is making a strong comeback.
'The richness of the offer coupled with our agents' engagement and utilization of marketing assets contributed to the overall success of this promotion and stellar start to 2017,' said Rosemarie Reed, vp sales and marketing.
She added that cruise lines' shift in marketing strategies to focus on added value rather than price coupled with the company's exclusive promotions has resulted in consumers buying higher-priced vacation options.
'We expect this trend to continue through wave season and beyond, and we are thrilled because it means our agents are earning more,' Reed said.
Continuing its support of home-based travel agents in educating consumers about cruises and attracting new business, Dream Vacations is launching a series of virtual cruise nights hosted by general manager Drew Daly. Cruise line representatives will share their latest offerings while listeners will be able to take advantage of exclusive promotions.
The first virtual cruise night is with Carnival Cruise Line on Feb. 13.
Meanwhile, the new groups concierge will help travel franchise owners and independent agents capitalize on group bookings by walking them step-by-step through the entire complex process—from group acquisition, contract negotiation and marketing to closing sales, data entry, servicing and booking for groups as small as eight cabins and as large as full ship charters.
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