Norwegian coastal cruise company Hurtigruten will join Tipto on September 1, becoming the first new supplier member of Year 26 for the supplier marketing organisation.
The cruise line will attend Tipto’s events to boost its travel trade activity, meeting current agent partners and forging new connections.
James Howlett, UK head of sales for Hurtigruten, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be joining Tipto for Year 26.
“The trade is pivotal to our success in the UK market, and it is our mission to engage and support more agents than we ever have before.
“With the expanded role of Emily Conner as trade engagement lead, and the wonderful return to the industry of David Chidley as our UK account manager, we see Tipto as our way of further boosting our work with agent partners.
“Hurtigruten is an incredible and well-loved brand, with some of the most spectacular product around.
“Over the last 12 months we have expanded our product lines to not only showcase the awesome Original Coastal Express that many people know and love, but to also introduce two very special more premium cruise itineraries, showcasing the best Norway has to offer.
“Joining Tipto will allow us to expand our reach, educating many more of the UK trade on what makes Hurtigruten so special, as well as helping them to understand exactly why it is the perfect product for their clients.”
Richard Forde, Tipto chairman, added: “The team at Tipto is delighted to welcome Hurtigruten into the fold for Year 26. It joins our already-strong cruise credentials to bring a unique dynamic with its Norwegian coastal cruise offering.
“I have no doubt that our event format will support Hurtigruten with its goal of reaching more agents, allowing them to cement their current relationships and of course build brand new ones. And our agents will certainly reap the benefits of the team’s training content and live roadshow attendance.”
Pictured from left: Hurtigruten’s David Chidley, account manager; Emily Conner, trade engagement lead; and James Howlett, UK head of sales.
More: Nick Hughes to return to Tipto chairman role
Trade sales surging as Hurtigruten targets more agents, says new UK sales chief