AE Expeditions recently engaged UK travel agents by hosting an onboard visit on the Greg Mortimer.
The event, held at Portsmouth Harbour, coincided with the ship’s debut Jewels of Coastal UK voyage, aimed at strengthening ties with key partners.
Welcoming Agents Aboard the Greg Mortimer
AE Expeditions recently facilitated an onboard visit for travel agents aboard the Greg Mortimer at Portsmouth Harbour. The visit was strategically organised to coincide with the ship’s inaugural “Jewels of Coastal UK” journey. This event was much more than a simple tour; it was designed as an opportunity for agents and tour operators to engage directly with AE Expeditions’ top management and UK team, including EMEA MD, Jos Dewing. It underscored the line’s commitment to forging stronger relationships with key partners.
Highlighting Exclusive Programmes and Collaborations
Sales executive Karen Hollands introduced agents to AE Expeditions’ special guest programme. This programme commenced with Miranda Krestovnikoff, president of the RSPB, joining their current journey. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the passenger experience by featuring notable personalities in conservation and exploration. Additionally, the programme reflects AE Expeditions’ dedication to expanding its educational and inspirational offerings for its passengers. The integration of special guests presents a unique selling point, positioning the company as a leader in insightful travel experiences.
Strategic Insights from the EMEA MD
Jos Dewing highlighted the importance of partnerships, stating, “All of the specialist travel companies who joined us have customers who share AE Expeditions’ passion for exploring unique hidden pockets of the planet.” He emphasised how the ethos of preservation and conservation is a shared value among AE’s travel partners. Dewing articulated AE’s success within the UK market, where the cruise line has witnessed a significant increase in sales and partnerships over the past year. This underscores the value of strategic alliances in driving business growth.
Strengthening Business Development Initiatives
In a move to bolster industry relationships, AE Expeditions appointed Andrew Tait as Senior Business Development Manager for the UK and Europe. Tait’s role is pivotal in identifying opportunities with indirect channels and establishing new partnerships. This strategic appointment is aligned with AE Expeditions’ ambition to broaden its reach and strengthen its foothold in the European market. With extensive experience in the cruise industry, Tait is poised to facilitate significant growth for the company, building on the strong foundation established by his predecessors.
Expanding on Polar Opportunities
The UK market has proven lucrative for AE Expeditions, leading to a 124 per cent year-on-year increase in polar voyage sales. This growth is attributed to the invaluable support from UK travel agents and tour operators specialising in small ship, expeditionary cruising. Recent initiatives have propelled sales of both the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. Additionally, there has been a noted 50 per cent increase in agent partnerships, which has further bolstered AE Expeditions’ position as a market leader in polar explorations. With increasing demand, AE is well-positioned to expand its offerings.
Leveraging Market Insights and Expertise
Key figures from AE Expeditions showcased the ship to agents who represent the pinnacle of the UK’s cruise marketing innovation. Through a concerted focus on eco-centric and niche markets, AE Expeditions has cultivated a distinctive approach to cruising that resonates with environmentally conscious travellers. Their expert team, each handpicked for their prowess and passion, is instrumental to AE’s reputation for exceptional service. As AE continues to refine its model, the insights gleaned from events like this ship visit are invaluable in shaping future strategies.
Future Directions for AE Expeditions
As AE Expeditions continues to innovate within the cruise industry, its focus remains steadfast on sustainable travel. Future strategies will likely build on current success in the UK market, leveraging established strengths to explore new opportunities in other regions. By maintaining strong partnerships and developing inventive travel offerings, AE is positioning itself for sustained growth. Their commitment to conservation, coupled with an ever-expanding portfolio of journeys, underscores AE’s role as a forward-thinking leader in expedition cruising.
The visit on the Greg Mortimer demonstrated AE Expeditions’ commitment to partnership and innovation.
Through strategic collaborations and enhanced guest programmes, the company continues to lead in the expedition cruising sector.
