Emerald Waterways, a division of Scenic that debuted in 2014, has launched its new Emerald Specialist Course to support its fast-growing product.
The six-part, online support course is built for agents of varying levels of experience, whether they’re brand new to river cruising or veterans. It encompasses background on the company’s history, in-depth education on river cruising and information on the line’s all-inclusive policy structure and corresponding commission levels, as well as successful marketing and sales strategies to use with new and existing clients.
“We greatly value our travel agent partners and have enhanced our support system to better serve them,” said Lisa Norton, vice president of brand management for North America for Emerald. “This new course will offer agents the opportunity to better understand our products, earn some of the highest commissions available in travel and, most important, enjoy satisfied clients.”
Agents who complete the course become Emerald Waterways Specialists and receive a $100 booking bonus on the first Emerald vacation sold within six months of course completion. Specialists will also receive opportunities for educational and fam trips, advance notice about specials and company announcements.
Emerald Specialist Course has rolled out alongside announcements of a fifth vessel for the line, Emerald Belle, coming in 2016; two new itineraries in Europe; a 16-day Southeast Asia sailing on the Mekong River; and fare reductions of up to 21 percent off 2015 pricing.
Emerald, sold mainly to the English-speaking market, offers lower fares than Scenic while still including gratuities, some drinks, shore excursions and transfers.
The Details
Emerald Specialist Course
www.emeraldspecialist.com
Emerald Waterways
www.emeraldwaterways.com