Canadian rail tour specialist Rocky Mountaineer has credited the introduction of a new midmarket product tier for a boost in forward bookings and yields.
Bob Nicholas, vice president of global sales, said the operator’s global forward bookings for 2013 were the best in the past five years, with the UK up 30% on last year.
Nicholas said the introduction of a mid-tier Silver Leaf class of carriage had been well-received, attracting new customers and encouraging entry-level Red Leaf passengers to upgrade.
He added that very little of Rocky Mountaineer’s high-end Gold Leaf business had been cannibalised by the move.
Leslie Peden, sales director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said UK business had also been boosted by a focus on cruise and tailormade specialists and more partnerships with cruise lines.
He said: “UK visitors to Canada tend to visit for two weeks’ minimum, but if you’re taking an Alaska cruise that is only seven days. Adding a Rocky Mountaineer itinerary is a perfect extension, and with a number of cruise lines cutting commission, agents are also recognising the earning opportunity.”
Rocky Mountaineer has also introduced Seattle departures to tie in with cruise departures, which Nicholas said could mark a “significant expansion” into the US.
Four itineraries linking Seattle with Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies are being introduced in August 2013 before a full programme of 24 departures in 2014.
“We are investing heavily in our trade partners with new IT and co-op marketing activity, and we are very pleased with the results,” Nicholas said.