The number of cruise passengers from the UK and Ireland is expected to exceed two million in the coming years, giving agents a “great opportunity” to capitalise on sales, Clia chair Ben Bouldin has predicted.
Speaking on a Travel Weekly webcast, Bouldin forecast British and Irish cruise passenger figures would return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023 as holidaymakers gain confidence travelling for longer durations to destinations farther afield.
“I think what we’ve seen in 2023 is a return to normality in terms of the itineraries that cruise lines are running and the length of cruises that people are doing as there’s a return to long-haul destinations,” he said.
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“Cruising is getting back to more of the cadence that we were used to seeing in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and I do expect 2023 and 2024 to be very exciting years for the industry and think the numbers will go beyond two million.”
He went on to say the cruise booking curve is lengthening, and encouraged agents to take advantage of travellers keen to secure 2024 and 2025 sailings.
“Agents have got a great opportunity to continue to sell in 2023 but also to maximise the opportunity of 2024 being on sale,” he said.
“People want to get back to booking their holidays a bit further in advance now that they’ve got confidence and we’re seeing lots of guests showing interest in 2024-25 holidays.
“The booking curve is starting to go out and I think prices will start to go up. That’s great for the cruise lines and, obviously, great for the trade because commission values go up as well.”