Complete Cruise Solution (CCS) plans to give small agents more access to exclusive product to enable them to increase their business and compete with larger cruise agencies.
Some small agents claim they can’t compete with larger agencies, which have access to a wider range of incentives and are able to offer greater discounts from enhanced commission payments.
Now CCS – the sales arm of the Carnival UK brands P&O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises and Ocean Village – is working on a programme to allow smaller agencies to compete on a level footing.
Carnival UK sales director Giles Hawke said details of the scheme were still being worked on and it was likely to be introduced at the end of this year or the start of 2011.
One option could be for small agents to be able to select one week in each quarter when they would be given access to exclusive product such as on-board credit or dinner at signature restaurants.
“There wouldn’t be any better deals in the marketplace,” he explained.
“We can work with them to develop marketing plans to enable them to maximise the periods during which they have access to that product, and we will want them to demonstrate a commitment to us and a desire to be proactive to increase their sales.”
Hawke did not rule out offering bonus commission during the periods, but said the aim was for agents to create value-added packages, rather than matching discounts.