Universal hits the road to train trade on Volcano Bay

Universal Orlando Resort will run training roadshows for agents as its new water theme park Volcano Bay opens to guests today.

First pictures of the water park, which has a 200ft water volcano named Krakatau at its centre, have been released.

From July, Universal’s training teams will be on the road in cities from Glasgow to Southampton sharing their selling tips for Volcano Bay with agents.

These will include advice on the TapuTapu wearable device that the park claims will cut out the need to queue by giving visitors a time to come back for the ride, and the three-for-two park Explorer Ticket for Universal’s Volcano Bay, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

They will also remind agents that guests staying on site get to access the park an hour early, update them on developments at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Parks & Resorts’ other parks.

Alison Montague, managing director for the UK, said Universal Parks & Resorts had trained more agents than ever this year.

She said: “During the roadshows, we will get to talk to some of our smaller agents and independents that we do not always get the time to meet face-to-face.”

Montague said Universal was boosting its links with trade partners and was planning on attending more conferences and conventions with agents. “We’ve got so much news to share,” she added.

Universal Orlando Resort has added 30 guest experiences since 2010, including new attractions hotels and parades.

Montague also said the trade had helped drive “really strong” sales so far this year and had “embraced our new offering and given it a great push”.