Travel Associates Sees Success with Luxury Cruise Events Across Australia and New Zealand
Travel Associates, the esteemed luxury brand under the Flight Centre Travel Group, has successfully concluded a series of captivating luxury cruise events spanning Australia and New Zealand, captivating over 2,300 new customers. This series of events, which commenced in Sydney and expanded to the Gold Coast, Auckland, Adelaide, and Melbourne, served as a testament to the burgeoning demand for luxury cruising experiences.
The events were meticulously crafted to introduce both new and existing customers to the unparalleled world of luxury cruising. These immersive showcases, featuring premium cruise providers, provided guests with an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the world of lavish voyages. Rachel Kingswell, General Manager of Travel Associates, remarked on the resounding success of the events, highlighting that they connected with an impressive 74% of new customers. She emphasized the significance of offering a hands-on, interactive experience that brought luxury cruising to life, allowing guests to meticulously plan their future cruises while indulging in delectable canapés and champagne within an exclusive lounge setting.
“Cruising is experiencing remarkable growth globally, with 27% of customers venturing into this travel segment for the first time within the past two years. Our primary goal was to engage these clients in a personalized, interactive way, ensuring a truly memorable experience,” stated Kingswell.
The events offered guests the invaluable opportunity to meet cruise advisors face-to-face, benefitting from expert advice and securing bookings for future luxury voyages. The partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a platinum sponsor of the event series, added an extra layer of exclusivity. Lisa Pile, Vice President and General Manager of Sales in APAC for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, commended the collaborative effort, acknowledging it as a priceless opportunity to introduce their exceptional products to high-potential clientele.
“This event series presented us with an unparalleled chance to connect with new clients who are eager to embark on their dream luxury cruises,” she added.
The events were held at prestigious venues, including the Hyatt Regency Sydney, The Star Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, EOS by SkyCity in Adelaide, The Ritz-Carlton in Melbourne, and the Viaduct Event Centre in Auckland. At each event, advisors secured multiple bookings, with a significant number of first-time customers booking their inaugural Travel Associates holiday. The success of these events has instilled a strong sense of confidence in the luxury cruise market, with Travel Associates optimistic that many of these new customers will become loyal, long-term clients.
This positive news arrives at a time when cruise tourism is experiencing remarkable growth. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently reported that cruise tourism contributed a substantial $8.43 billion to the economy during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, representing a significant 49.7% increase from the preceding year. This substantial growth underscores the enduring appeal and allure of luxury cruise vacations.