MSC Cruises has unveiled its largest agent engagement programme, set to welcome over 2,000 agents aboard its ships this year.
The initiative includes more than 60 ship visits in key ports, aimed at enhancing agent knowledge and boosting sales.
Largest Agent Engagement Initiative
MSC Cruises is set to embark on its most extensive agent engagement initiative to date, welcoming over 2,000 agents aboard its fleet. The programme, designed to provide first-hand experiences of their ships, includes more than 60 visits scheduled throughout the year.
These events will take place in several key locations, including Southampton, Belfast, Liverpool, Invergordon, and Cork. Agents will have the opportunity to tour the ships and enjoy lunch on board, enhancing their understanding of the unique offerings of MSC Cruises.
Significant Sales Impact
Steve Williams, Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland, highlighted the positive sales impact from previous ship visits. He noted that the programme operates on a ‘smarter model,’ ensuring that the right agents experience the right ships.
Williams remarked, “We are really honing in on people that haven’t seen either any MSC vessel or a particular class of ship, so we’re working a bit smarter to get the right agents on board and then we are measuring the results of their sales afterwards and so far we are seeing brilliant results.”
Strategic Agent Selection
The programme strategically targets agents who are either new to the MSC brand or unfamiliar with specific classes of ships. This approach ensures that these agents are better equipped to sell MSC Cruises to their clients.
MSC Cruises has already hosted over 300 agents this year alone, with tangible benefits observed in subsequent sales figures. The initiative is a significant financial investment for the company, but the return on investment is evident through increased bookings.
Featured Ships in the Programme
Several notable ships from the MSC fleet are part of this extensive programme, including MSC Virtuosa, MSC Preziosa, MSC Euribia, and MSC Poesia. Each ship will offer a comprehensive guided tour followed by lunch for the visiting agents.
This opportunity allows agents to immerse themselves in the MSC experience, gaining a deeper appreciation of the facilities and services provided on board. The hands-on knowledge gained during these visits is expected to translate into more effective sales strategies.
Engagement Locations
Key ports such as Southampton and Belfast will play a central role in hosting these events, given their strategic importance and capability to accommodate large cruise ships.
In addition to these, agents will also visit Liverpool, Invergordon, and Cork, ensuring broad regional representation and accessibility for agents across the UK and Ireland.
Feedback and Results
The response from agents who have already participated has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the experience and the insights gained.
Steve Williams underscores the importance of these interactions, stating, “It’s a huge investment on our part because there is a big expense associated with ship visits, but we can see the tangible benefit and the return on our investment.”
The extensive agent engagement programme by MSC Cruises is a strategic move to strengthen relationships with travel agents.
With positive feedback and measurable sales impact, this initiative promises significant returns for both the cruise line and participating agents.
