The single biggest cruise promotion of the year — CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Night (WLCN) on Oct. 14 — is designed to help agents set the stage for 2010 by selling a record number of cruise vacations in a single 24 hour period. Agents can register for in-store and virtual events, which generated more than $40 million in sales last year.
Marking its fifth consecutive year, WLCN, the centerpiece of National Cruise Vacation Month, has seen greater participation every year. In 2008, more than 4,000 agents participated in WLCN events and online WLCN promotions, estimated to have generated almost 43,000 bookings and nearly $5.4 million in commissions.
Last year, CLIA members who participated in Web-based WLCN promotions sent e-mail invitations to consumers inviting them to visit a customized Web site with cruise line videos, agency contact information and special offers. Approximately 1,100 agencies conducted traditional WLCN events, also a record.
In 2009, agents will once again have three ways to participate. The enhanced virtual WLCN option enables agents to customize their own Web page featuring personalized agency information, a sales message and up to five informative videos from participating CLIA member lines. The videos are designed to stimulate sales and assist agencies in maximizing their participation in this event. A unique URL will also be created and can be distributed to clients and new prospects, inviting them to participate remotely. The virtual WLCN sites will be live for the entire month of October.
One-day events can include luncheons, cocktail parties, dinners, full-scale expos and many other activities. And, of course, agents are encouraged to choose both online and person-to-person promotions in order to generate a maximum sales volume.
www.cruising.org/travelagents
