The new river cruise academy programme by Travel Village Group marks a strategic move to enhance sales through comprehensive training.
This initiative, born from insights at the Clia RiverView Conference, is set to enrich the understanding of river cruise products among business owners.
The Travel Village Group’s decision to launch a river cruise academy stems from a strategic vision to bolster sales through education. Amanda Taylor, the group’s business development manager, and Richard Cross, the commercial manager, were pivotal in conceptualising this initiative after their participation in the Clia RiverView Conference held in Amsterdam. Recognising a gap in the market, they seized the opportunity to educate business owners and improve their river cruise offerings.
Richard Cross stated, “Amanda and I saw an opportunity to help our independent business owners grow their river cruise business by devising the first-ever river cruise academy.” This academy aims to provide in-depth knowledge and practical experiences, creating a robust platform for understanding the specifics of river cruising.
The official launch of the river cruise academy was held at the headquarters of Emerald & Scenic Cruises in Piccadilly, Manchester. This event marked the beginning of a series of immersive training sessions designed to impart both theoretical and hands-on knowledge to the participants.
Training sessions feature prominent industry figures, including Wendi Hardy from Emerald & Scenic Cruises, Dawn Quinn from Uniworld, and Robin Griffiths from APT. Each expert brings unique insights into their respective cruise lines, enhancing the learning experience for academy members.
Joanne Smithies from AmaWaterways highlighted the value of the academy’s educational approach: “We’re delighted to support such a great initiative with The Travel Village Group. Having the opportunity to educate the academy members in such depth is invaluable.”
The academy programme is meticulously designed to encompass both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Participants will have the chance to organise their own river cruise events as part of this comprehensive learning process.
The curriculum includes a culmination event at the Clia RiverView Conference 2025 in Budapest, symbolising the programme’s completion and participants’ growth.
Furthermore, The Travel Village Group is considering introducing similar training academies in other areas of leisure travel, indicating a forward-thinking approach to industry education.
Participating business owners shared their positive feedback regarding the programme’s structure and content. Emma Andrews noted the intensive nature of the training and its potential impact on her business.
The anticipated outcomes of the academy programme include increased sales and enhanced understanding of river cruise products among business owners.
With the comprehensive training provided, business owners are expected to return to their respective businesses with newfound insights and strategies for enhancing their cruise offerings.
The initiative signifies a strategic commitment by The Travel Village Group to invest in the professional development of its associates, aiming for long-term growth in the river cruise market.
The river cruise academy represents a significant step forward in professional development within the travel industry.
The Travel Village Group’s initiative not only aims to enhance sales but also seeks to set a precedent for educational programmes in leisure travel.
Anticipated to empower business owners, the academy promises growth in knowledge and sales, setting a benchmark for future educational initiatives.
