Agents hail success of Tipto and Hurtigruten fam trip giveaway

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Travel agents have hailed a fam trip for helping them to sell the ‘real Norway’ after winning places at Tipto roadshows.

In total 30 agents won places on two seven-night sailings with Hurtigruten by attending roadshow and SuperShow events run by trade marketing body Tipto last year. All agents who attended the organisation’s events during its 26th year were entered into a prize draw to win a place.

The agents were split into two groups to experience Hurtigruten’s Original Coastal Express cruise on board Nordnorge.

The sailings along the Norwegian coast started at the southern city of Bergen, travelling across the Arctic circle, up to Kirkenes and back. Agents were able to visit Norway’s fjords, the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands, stopping at 34 coastal communities along the way.

Agents said the trips had allowed them to ‘bring Norway to life’ and sell it more effectively.

Travel PA homeworker Lisa Gray said: “The most memorable moment of the trip for me was passing through the Arctic Circle – amazing! And having experienced Hurtigruten first hand, and for the first time, I’m now more confident in which of my clients to suggest it too, and exactly how to position it. It’s certainly for a more adventurous passenger.”

Not Just Travel homeworker Amy Hyland said the cruise had given her ideas on how and who to sell it to.

She said: “The trip has also allowed me to see how I might upsell the cruise. For example, by suggesting a pre or post cruise stay at the snow hotel Kirkenes.”

She noted the unusual excursions, adding: “I loved the midnight excursion to the wooden church in Tromso where we were treated to a soprano performance of Norwegian folk songs accompanied by piano and sax. Such a magical setting, lit by candlelight.”

Having experienced it for myself, I really am able to bring the cruise to life for prospective clients

Chloe Rawlins, of Villair Travel, described it as a bucket-list trip and an experience of “the real Norway", while citing the expedition team’s knowledge.

She said: “Now I’m back, I’ve had several brochure chats with clients for Norway cruises. And when I explain that I have recently come back and had the best time with Hurtigruten, I think my facial expressions must say it all. Having experienced it for myself, I really am able to bring the cruise to life for prospective clients.”

Nicola Gough, of Terry Jones Travel, has had several clients approach her to talk about Hurtigruten cruises, which she hopes will lead to conversions.

She said: “My personal experience of this cruise has really helped with selling it. I would say that as it’s not a standard cruise, finding the right customer and being able to frame the product correctly is really important to avoid mismatch.

“I have a customer weighing up two different Hurtigruten itineraries and coming in to speak with me next week. My insider knowledge from the trip means I can confidently help her.”

Hurtigruten sales director for the UK and emerging markets Matt Stuart said: “This fam trip gave agents the chance to immerse themselves in the real Norway, from the rhythm of life along the coast to the knowledge and insight of our onboard expedition team.

“It has been fantastic to see how quickly that experience has translated into confidence, enthusiasm, and practical selling knowledge. We’re delighted to have hosted such an engaged group of Tipto agents and look forward to seeing them bring Hurtigruten to life for their clients.”

Tipto chairman Vishal Patel said the dedicated support of Tipto suppliers made educational trips such as this one possible.

He added: “This fam trip giveaway proved so popular during last year’s events, and it’s fantastic to celebrate the successes now this trip has taken place. Educating our agent community is a priority for Tipto and its supplier members, so to be able to take learning onboard a product, just means we’re providing that additional layer of support.”