Seaside Travel to run first cruise event in owners’ village pub

Seaside Travel has announced plans for its first cruise consumer event at the agency owners’ pub – with more supplier shows in the pipeline.

The ‘Fred Olsen Takeover Day’ on May 30 will invite customers of the agency’s 13 branches as well as pub regulars to come along to learn more about the cruise line, access exclusive deals and enjoy everything from a silent disco to food and quizzes.

The event will take place at The Royal George pub in Old Shotton, near Peterlee, bought by Seaside Travel owners Nicola Park and Barry Coatman – known as ’Mr and Mrs Seaside’ – last year.

The agency will have a booking station at the pub for any sales on the day and agency staff will be attending along with the owners.

The event has been opened up to customers of all the agency’s branches but has a particular focus on branches nearest the pub in Hartlepool, Fishburn, Wingate and Easington.

If successful, the agency has more supplier events planned to take place at the pub, said Paula Gleeson, head of business and commercial.

She noted: “We wanted to do something different so we had a brainstorming session to increase business with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, especially as we are close to the port of Tyne in Newcastle. We thought this would be perfect.

“We have things in place with other operators if this is successful; Seaside is all about standing out and doing something a little different.”

Gleeson said it was not clear yet how many people would attend but added: “We are so excited about this and we want this to be a huge event open to all our customers and the public.

“The turnout is looking very promising already. We have put invites on social media and also on The George’s social page and our shops are contacting customers – the more the merrier.”