A recent familiarisation trip on Queen Anne has proved beneficial for Simone Lines, a travel agent from Bailey’s Travel. The educational journey provided the confidence required to secure a two-week booking for Cunard’s newest vessel.
This article explores the impact of first-hand experience on selling strategies within the travel industry, highlighting insights from key players.
The familiarisation trip on Queen Anne enabled Simone Lines to directly convey the ship’s unique offerings to her clients. Her participation in the four-night round-trip, alongside 19 other agents, to Rotterdam helped her achieve a major booking achievement just days after returning.
Participants stayed in balcony staterooms, experiencing the ship’s diverse venues and alternative dining concepts. This exposure was complemented by targeted training sessions, aimed at expanding the agents’ understanding of Cunard’s brand.
Such comprehensive exposure enables agents to deliver well-informed advice, enhancing customer trust and satisfaction.
Lines noted that her enthusiasm for Queen Anne was contagious. Her direct experience aboard the ship allowed her to provide vivid descriptions, strengthening the client-agent relationship.
Such personal insights can be invaluable in building trust with potential customers.
By offering a genuine perspective, agents can significantly influence clients’ decisions, translating experience into bookings.
Sara Burdis of Bolsover Cruise Club shared her positive insights, highlighting the diverse demographic onboard, including families and groups of friends enjoying the voyage.
Her observations underscore the inclusive atmosphere aboard Cunard ships, catering to varied tastes and preferences.
Tom Mahoney, director of UK sales at Cunard, underscored the importance of familiarisation trips. These experiences are integral to building robust relationships and offering agents firsthand exposure.
Such initiatives are crucial for understanding what sets Cunard apart in the competitive cruise market.
Cunard plans additional trips this year, providing ample opportunities for agents to experience its fleet.
The familiarisation trip not only increased Lines’ booking confidence but also showcased the ship’s amenities effectively to her clients.
Direct experience is a powerful tool for agents, enabling authentic recommendations.
Queen Anne’s attractive features and potential for creating memorable experiences position it as a preferred choice for clients.
As awareness grows among agents, bookings are anticipated to rise, reflecting the ship’s appeal.
Queen Anne’s familiarisation trip exemplifies how direct experience can transform travel agents’ sales strategies. With agents gaining deeper insights, they can engage more effectively with clients, driving sales and fostering stronger client relationships.
