AmaWaterways has announced an exciting new incentive for travel agents, inspired by the upcoming Olympic Games in France. This initiative aims to harness the heightened interest in French river cruises, offering enticing rewards for agents promoting these itineraries.
The programme is designed to reward agents based on their engagement, providing opportunities to win a European cruise, cases of French wine, and Love2Shop vouchers. This comes amid a remarkable 158% increase in bookings for French itineraries, as AmaWaterways anticipates a surge in demand during the Olympic season.
Incentive Details and Rewards
The new Olympic-themed incentive by AmaWaterways is crafted to motivate travel agents to increase bookings for their French river cruise itineraries. Agents who book any French itinerary during the Olympics and Paralympics, scheduled from 26 July to 8 September, will automatically enter a draw. Prizes include a European cruise for two, rewarding agents for their efforts and boosting engagement during this bustling period.
The runner-up in this rewarding scheme will receive a case of French wine, while the third-place finisher will be granted a £50 Love2Shop voucher. To add an extra layer of excitement, the agency with the most bookings will enjoy a celebratory night out, valued at £250. The winners will be publicly announced through AmaWaterways’ Trade Facebook page on 13 September.
Significant Increase in French Itinerary Bookings
AmaWaterways has reported a significant 158% increase in bookings for French itineraries in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This surge demonstrates the substantial interest from travellers keen on exploring France via river cruises, particularly with the upcoming Olympics enhancing the allure.
Capitalising on this burgeoning demand, the company has introduced a new “Flavours of Burgundy” itinerary for 2024 and a fourteen-night “Grand Seine and Bordeaux” option for 2025, expanding their offerings to capture the attention of potential cruisers.
Opportunities for Travel Agents
Travel agents stand to benefit significantly from this opportunity. The eyes of the world will be on Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Lyon, bringing France into the international spotlight. This provides an excellent chance for agents to promote the country’s cultural richness through river cruising.
Andrea Stafford, AmaWaterways’ Sales Director, highlights the potential for agents to earn commissions while also participating in a rewarding incentive programme. “Every day, millions of people will be watching live streams from the country, which will undoubtedly bring the destination to the forefront of their minds,” she stated.
This exposure not only provides an opportunity to boost sales but also to win prestigious rewards, thus fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between AmaWaterways and its trade partners.
How to Enter and Maximise Opportunities
To enter the draw, agents must secure a reservation for a French river cruise, with each booking automatically qualifying for the draw. This initiative is straightforward yet effective, designed to maximise participation and enthusiasm among travel representatives.
The more bookings agents make, the higher their chances of winning, creating a win-win scenario for both the agents and AmaWaterways.
To support these efforts, AmaWaterways has developed a suite of marketing materials – including social media reels, images, and videos – to aid agents in their promotional activities. These resources are part of a broader strategy to ensure agents are well-equipped to leverage the Olympic Games’ momentum.
Supporting Resources and Training
AmaWaterways has also scheduled training sessions hosted by its business development managers to assist agents in maximising their sales strategies. A France-themed webinar is set for 25 July, offering insights into the itinerary specifics and promotional tactics.
These educational tools are part of the company’s commitment to empowering agents, ensuring they can confidently market French river cruises to their clientele.
Future Prospects and Developments
Looking ahead, AmaWaterways continues to explore innovative ways to enhance its offerings and support its partners. By aligning their incentives with global events like the Olympics, they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the river cruise sector.
This strategic alignment not only appeals to travellers seeking unique experiences but also strengthens the bonds with travel agents, positioning AmaWaterways as a leader in the industry.
Announcement and Communication
The winners of the incentive programme will be announced on AmaWaterways’ Trade Facebook page, ensuring transparency and engagement with the community. This method of dissemination reinforces the importance of social media as a tool for industry communication.
AmaWaterways’ Olympic-themed initiative is set to energise travel agents, encouraging them to boost French river cruise bookings. With strong support and enticing rewards, agents are well-positioned to capitalise on this opportunity, benefitting both their clients and themselves.
