Thorne Travel has witnessed a substantial growth in cruise bookings, marking a 700% increase in just one year.
This surge follows the introduction of a dedicated cruise division, highlighting significant consumer interest and demand for their offerings.
Scotland’s Thorne Travel has reported an extraordinary 700% increase in cruise bookings over the past year. This remarkable growth follows the launch of their dedicated cruise division in 2022. Managing director Shona Thorne expressed her amazement at the extensive reach of their cruise services, which attracted bookings from clients as distant as Santorini in Greece.
The uptick in cruise business is largely attributed to enhanced collaborations with esteemed cruise lines. Thorne Travel has worked with companies including MSC Cruises, Oceania, Silversea, Ponant, and Ambassador. These partnerships have been pivotal in strengthening their market presence and attracting more customers.
Furthermore, the agency organised ship visits and events, which were instrumental in engaging consumers and boosting interest in cruise offerings. These strategic moves have proven to be a catalyst for the agency’s success in the sector.
Thorne Travel has secured cabin allocations with several cruise lines, ensuring availability for their growing customer base. This includes 20 cabins with Silversea, 225 with MSC, 25 with Ambassador, 10 with Oceania, and 10 with Amawaterways.
Currently, the agency operates at 80% capacity for these allocations. Plans are underway to announce additional allocations in collaboration with their partners, further expanding their offerings.
Over the past eight months, Thorne Travel’s cruise manager has dedicated substantial effort to community events and business-to-business networking. These activities have been critical in fostering relationships and promoting the company’s cruise services.
As a result, they have developed a mailing list comprising over 23,000 registrants. This growing list represents a significant potential audience for future marketing campaigns.
An impressive 95% of new-to-cruise customers have opted to rebook, indicating high satisfaction levels with Thorne Travel’s offerings. Additionally, 150 customers have signed up for the agency’s escorted cruises scheduled for early 2024.
In anticipation of further growth, Thorne Travel recently appointed a dedicated cruise expert at its Largs store. The company is also preparing to open a new store in Prestwick, featuring a specialised cruise desk.
The development of Thorne Travel’s physical presence is a testament to their growing success. With plans to open a third store in Prestwick by early 2024, they aim to enhance customer service with a dedicated cruise desk staffed by industry experts.
These initiatives reflect the agency’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand for cruise holidays by bolstering their infrastructure and resources.
Thorne Travel’s dedication to innovation and customer engagement sets a positive trajectory for future growth. With continuous enhancements in their cruise offerings and strategic expansions, the agency is well-positioned to further capitalise on the booming demand for cruise travel.
With strategic partnerships, enhanced service offerings, and a focus on customer satisfaction, Thorne Travel is poised for continued success in the cruise industry.
Their proactive approach to expansion and innovation appears promising for future achievements.
