The Cruise Challenge recently captivated Hays Travel staff at the Stadium of Light. The event was filled with learning and excitement.
With presentations from major cruise lines, it offered an engaging mix of education and entertainment, setting a new benchmark for training events.
Event Overview
Last month, a unique event unfolded at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, capturing the attention of Hays Travel’s head office staff. The Cruise Challenge gameshow took centre stage, offering a blend of competition, education, and entertainment. Attendees were treated to insightful presentations from prominent cruise lines like Fred Olsen, Riviera Travel, and MSC Cruises, providing a comprehensive overview of the industry’s highlights and innovations.
Engaging Presentations and Unexpected Moments
Cruise line representatives made the most of their 13-minute slots, delivering concise yet impactful presentations. These sessions were not merely informative but engaging, showcasing the unique selling points of each cruise line. The presence of a canary by MSC Cruises was an unexpected delight, adding a layer of surprise to the proceedings.
Attendees had the opportunity to win lucrative prizes, including cruises, underscoring the competitive spirit encouraged by the event. This element of surprise helped maintain high energy and interest levels throughout the day.
Interactive and Educational Experience
The event was not just informative but interactive. Staff members were encouraged to participate actively, fostering a sense of involvement and engagement among attendees.
Feedback from the participants highlighted the dual nature of the event—it was both an enjoyable and a learning experience. Harriet Thompson, head of Hays Travel Independence Group, praised the event’s ability to combine fun with education effectively, stating that the night was filled with learning, fun, and laughter.
The format of The Cruise Challenge proved successful in delivering educational content in an engaging way, ensuring that the key messages from cruise line partners were effectively communicated and retained by the audience.
Positive Reception and Community Engagement
Nathan Emtage, the commercial manager, remarked on the event’s success, noting the ‘fantastic turnout’. This response reflects the event’s capability to draw a significant audience and deliver value to its participants. Its format was applauded for fostering genuine interaction between suppliers and attendees, facilitating an exchange of insights and ideas.
The community aspect extended beyond the event venue, as local IG members engaged through social media channels. This digital interaction provided a platform for ongoing dialogue and connectivity among industry professionals.
The Cruise Challenge event has evidently set a new standard for such gatherings, driving both in-person and online engagement. This approach not only enriched the attendees’ experience but also broadened the event’s impact reach.
Strategic Importance for Hays Travel
For Hays Travel, hosting The Cruise Challenge at their head office was strategically significant. It allowed the organisation to directly connect its team with leading cruise lines, enhancing their understanding and knowledge of the industry.
This event aligns with Hays Travel’s mission to provide comprehensive training and development opportunities for their staff. Such interactions are crucial for keeping abreast of industry trends and delivering informed service to their clients.
Dylan Lovik, Hays Travel IG support assistant, highlighted the refreshing change this event brought to their usual activities, underscoring its importance in professional development.
Future Prospects of The Cruise Challenge
Given the overwhelming success of the recent event, there is a keen anticipation for future iterations of The Cruise Challenge. The model of combining entertainment with education has proven effective, indicating a bright future for such programmes.
The prospect of repeating this format promises not only to benefit Hays Travel’s team but also to potentially expand its reach within the industry, attracting participants from various sectors.
Continued evolution and adaptation of The Cruise Challenge will likely see it become a staple in the cruise industry’s calendar, providing valuable insights and fostering industry connections.
Looking Ahead
Hays Travel plans to leverage the success of this event to further strengthen its position as a leader in travel and tourism. Initiatives like The Cruise Challenge play a critical role in this endeavour, aligning with their strategic objectives.
The Cruise Challenge has redefined training events with its innovative approach.
Its success signals a promising future for similar initiatives, benefiting participants and the wider industry alike.
