A new format for Barrhead Travel’s annual river cruise show last month meant sales from the event increased by 30% year-on-year.
Previously the event focused on river cruise but the event on May 25 included luxury ocean cruise options too.
Also, the revamped show was held at Barrhead’s luxury store on St Vincent Street, Glasgow, instead of the chain’s larger Glasgow Super Store.
Sharon Fox, head of cruise product and commercial at Barrhead Travel, said: “Combining the River Cruise Show with luxury ocean product gave a smaller number of customers a wider variety of choice and more face-time with our cruise experts and partners, thus resulting in quality bookings and increased revenue.
“As the cruise industry continues to innovate at a rapid rate, it is important for us to keep reactive and adapt to meet the needs of our customers. It’s a really exciting time to be in the cruise business and we are looking forward to launching more cruise events.”
More than 100 clients attended to meet representatives from Barrhead and cruise lines such as Scenic, Emerald, Viking, Azamara, AMAwaterways, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea and Crystal Cruises.
Industry expert Gary Buchanan also held a series of talks.
Nicola Singleton, strategic account manager for Azamara, added: “The Barrhead Travel Luxury Store was a perfect venue for a luxury event. The day was so well organised and attracted the right calibre of customer for the product on offer and so we received some fantastic enquiries.”
The event followed Barrhead Travel’s annual Ocean Cruise Show in the Glasgow Super Store which generated a 50% year-on-year increase in revenue.
Pictured from left: Michelle Holt, senior travel consultant; Sophie King, travel consultant; Scott McMillan, travel consultant; Adla Toal, senior travel consultant; and Anne Marie Kirke, store manager.
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