Scotland’s Cruise Centre is to double its workforce following a surge in bookings.
The Ayr-based cruise specialist, which is part of Stewart Travel, employs 62 staff, but plans to take on another 60 within a year.
The firm’s expansion plans follow a move to larger premises within recent weeks and a 50% growth in bookings since 2013.
Primarily a call centre in the past, Scotland’s Cruise Centre’s new location nearer the town centre features a lounge area where customers can speak to agents face-to-face for the first time.
Stewart Travel marketing director Brian Wright said: “Scotland’s Cruise Centre has been in business for 40 years, and in the past couple of years we’ve seen a massive growth in the sector.
“With the business growing at such a dynamic pace, it was important to move quickly to secure much larger premises.
“The new premises are much more central, and as a new approach we are introducing an option for customers to come in and see us. This will be for locals, but most of our business does come from outside Ayr.
“If all goes according to plan, we expect our staffing levels to exceed 100, and possibly double to 120 or thereabouts, within a six to 12-month period. It’s very exciting for the business; cruise definitely seems to be in vogue.”
Wright said the entire Stewart Travel business, part of the Minoan Group, had benefited from a growth in cruise sales, including its stores and specialist site Cruisekings.co.uk.
The news follows C&M Travel Recruitment’s projection that more vacancies are being filled in the travel industry now than at any point since at least 2009.
The total number of placements in June equalled the monthly high set last October, and was 29.7% up year on year.