Growth in cruise sales remains a core focus for both Hays Travel and the Independence Group, delegates at the group’s UK conference were told.
Hays Travel chief operating officer Jonathon Woodall-Johnston said cruise was one of the fastest-growing parts of the business, noting investment in the company’s cruise contact centre.
Meanwhile, Head of IG Natasha Marson said cruise was proving lucrative for IG members, with an average selling prices of £1,507 and an average margin of 10.4%.
Catriona Parsons, Hays Travel head of cruise commercial (pictured), said IG members currently account for 19.6% of Hays’ overall cruise business, but flagged that 86% of cruise revenue was generated by just 17% of members.
Current top suppliers for IG members are MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Marella Cruises, with improved commissions being negotiated with many lines.
Parsons highlighted strong demand for luxury and bucket-list cruises, in addition to river cruise and trends including wellbeing and green cruising, solo travel and off-season itineraries.
She added: “There are four years currently on sale and being able to offer direct debit payments makes it even more affordable.”