Agents have been urged to chase river cruise bookings this year after new data found that 74% of people have yet to confirm their holiday plans.
A recent survey of 409 Mail Metro Media readers found three quarters of respondents interested in booking a break this year had not yet finalised their main trip for 2021.
The company’s travel account manager, Sam Conway, revealed the findings during Clia’s Virtual River Cruise Showcase on Wednesday (March 3).
He said: “[Almost] 75% of our audience are yet to book a holiday so now is the time to influence and instil that confidence to ensure they book with your company.”
However, decisions on budget and destination had been made, said Conway, who added: “They can easily be convinced to go on a river cruise.
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“Our audience are looking to stick to what they know in 2021. City breaks, beach resorts and all-inclusive [holidays] are proving to be the most popular.
“But what we can capitalise on is that river cruise offers amazing city breaks. The value in the all-inclusive offering is amazing. [River cruises] visit beautiful towns, lakes and parts of nature.
“It is about educating our audience and letting them know the diverse range of products that are available.”
The survey also found that 45% of those polled said they were ‘likely to play it safe’ this year. However, 51% surveyed said that they wanted to visit places of local interest and 55% wanted to spend quality time with family and friends.
“River cruise offers this in bundles,” Conway said. “It’s very important this is made to the market.”