The Travel Village Group has introduced an innovative training initiative aimed at boosting river cruise sales in the UK. This programme is designed to enhance the skills of business owners within the niche sector of river cruising.
The flagship initiative, known as the River Cruise Academy, offers extensive training support for travel agents. It aims to empower agents with the knowledge required to increase their earning potential in the river cruise sector. This initiative includes training sessions, familiarisation trips, and marketing support, offering a well-rounded approach to skill enhancement.
Amanda Taylor, Business Development Manager, and Richard Cross, Group Commercial Manager, conceptualised the programme during the CLIA Riverview Conference in Amsterdam. They recognised the untapped potential of the river cruise market in the UK, viewing it as a lucrative and novel alternative to traditional coach touring.
This programme will run for six months, from September 2024 to May 2025. It will feature both face-to-face and virtual sessions, enabling agents to engage deeply with river product offerings and itineraries.
The launch has garnered support from prestigious river cruise operators like AmaWaterways, APT & Travelmarvel, and others. These collaborations ensure that the training is comprehensive and aligned with current industry standards.
The involvement of these partners not only signifies industry confidence in the programme but also underscores its potential to create a robust network of skilled agents capable of thriving in the river cruise market.
Delegates will have the opportunity to host events locally, with backing from both the Travel Village Group and river cruise operators. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding the market dynamics and customer expectations.
Graduation for delegates is scheduled at the CLIA Riverview Conference in March 2025, marking the culmination of their training with recognised certification.
Phil and Paula Nuttall, owners of the Travel Village Group, highlighted that this initiative perfectly aligns with business owners’ needs. They emphasised the emotional and financial investment involved, underlining its strategic importance.
This training aims to ensure participants are well-prepared to leverage the growing interest in river cruises, which remain underrepresented within the broader UK travel market.
The structured approach of this programme is intended to maximise return on investment for all stakeholders, setting a benchmark for future training initiatives.
The programme’s backing by renowned operators adds substantial value, making it a compelling proposition for agents aiming to expand their expertise.
Graduates will leave this programme with enhanced skills, ready to tap into the UK river cruise market and drive new customer engagement.
The Travel Village Group’s new training programme is a strategic move to invigorate the river cruise market in the UK. By equipping agents with specialised knowledge, the programme aims to address industry gaps and inspire novel approaches to river cruising.
