Ship visits have been highlighted by the majority of agents as the most valuable element of being a member of the Association of Cruise Experts.
A poll of 238 ACE agents members revealed that 97% see the opportunity to see ships for themselves as key to being involved in the organisation.
Results from the latest annual ACE membership survey also show that 98.6% of agents are satisfied with the training provided, with more than half saying they are very satisfied. ACE provides specialised cruise training to more than 20,000 travel agent members.
More than 87% of respondents said they display the ACE logo in their shop windows, on their websites and in advertising reaffirming their commitment and knowledge in selling cruise holidays and providing a ‘stamp of expertise’ for the consumer.
ACE director Flo Powell said: “ACE is committed to continually improving the membership benefits and plans for 2011 include increasing online product training, with new courses from APT, Avalon Waterways and Shearings.
“We are also providing six new destination modules – how best to sell round-the-world cruises and courses on improving online marketing, selling over the phone and time management – all key skills for today’s busy cruise agent.”