Costa Cruises is giving away six diamond necklaces to travel agents in its biggest UK trade promotion to date to mark its 60th anniversary.
UK managing director Marco Rosa said the promotion represented its commitment to UK agents. The cruiseline has plans to unveil urther trade initiatives in coming weeks.
He said: “We want to give a clear message to the trade that we are a reliable and well-established company with 60 years’ history.”
The cruiseline has increased its investment in the UK market significantly over the last two years as it aims to increase market share. “Our brand awareness needs to be improved,” added Rosa.
The promotion starts tomorrow, Friday May 23. All agent bookings made up to August 15 for departures between June 1 and November 30 will be entered into a prize draw. Agents also need to answer a question on costaclick.co.uk, and prizes will be drawn every two weeks.
Meanwhile, Rosa said Costa Cruises had enjoyed an unexpected surge in late bookings for the Mediterranean following a slow January and February. Bookings for 2009 also suggest a strong year – the cruiseline is increasing capacity by 12% for next year and the UK market is particularly strong for bookings to the Far East, he added.