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A rendering of Amawaterways’ new Privilege loyalty pin for Privilege program members // © Amawaterways |
As river cruising grows in popularity, river cruise lines are offering more agent incentives, educational programs and loyalty rewards designed to benefit both agents and their clients.
Viking River Cruises is offering agents the opportunity to earn an additional $100 per booking with its 2011 Agency Bonus Commission coupon, introduced with the launch of its 2011 River Cruise Atlas.
“With travel agent commissions averaging $1,000 per booking, Viking is known for its generous commissions,” said Richard Marnell, Viking’s senior vice president of marketing. “With this bonus commission, we are giving agents an added incentive to reserve their clients 2011 river cruise early while also saying ‘thank you’ for their continued support.”
The $100 Bonus Commission is a limited-time offer in conjunction with the 2011 Early Booking Discount, both of which expire on May 28. While only one Bonus Commission coupon can be redeemed per booking, there is no limit to the number of reservations that an agent can make. Agents can download the coupon on the company’s travel agent portal at VikingRiverCruises.com/Agents.
Commissions start at 12 percent on cruise and land bookings. Viking also offers many commissionable upgrades to make the most of each reservation including 10 percent on its Travel Protection Plan, 12 percent on land extensions and generous commission on various air programs.
Avalon Waterways is also offering a specialist program to agents, comprised of a four-part Webinar series that must be completed. Additionally, agents must qualify for the program by enrolling in two Travel University courses and a viewing a video preview of Avalon’s 2011 news.
“Agents have the option to attend our four-part Webinar series live or via an archived feed,” said Alleigh Stadtmueller, training specialist for the Globus Family of Brands, the parent company of Avalon Waterways. “Our first Webinar airs on May 13 and topics range from showcasing insight into the travel style and growth potential through group sales to Avalon’s 2011 offerings.”
Agents who complete the new program will receive specialist designation, a certificate of completion, a specialist logo, booking incentives, high-quality marketing materials, an invitation to Avalon’s “Seminar at Sea” sailing, the chance to win a free river cruise for two, along with Cruise Lines International Association credits, eight CEUs with The Travel Institute and exclusive access to special offers and promotions.
Also this spring, Amawaterways is introducing Amawaterways Privilege, its new loyalty program launching with the 2010 sailing season. The Privilege program has three reward levels: Blue, Silver and Gold.
“We are fortunate to have a very substantial number of repeat passengers who enjoy cruising with us,” said Amawaterways president Rudi Schreiner. “This is our way of thanking them for their continued loyalty, and for inspiring us to constantly develop more innovative programs and itineraries each season.”
All passengers cruising with Amawaterways are automatically enrolled into the Privilege program. Passengers will be provided with a booklet in their stateroom explaining the benefits, along with a Privilege pin to wear during the cruise.
Benefits start with the second cruise and range from a $100 per person discount on the cruise fare plus a special guest reception onboard for Blue Level, with an additional dinner with a senior crew member, choice of welcome amenity, complimentary airport transfers plus a 50 percent discount on an upgrade to a higher stateroom category (excluding suites) for Silver. Gold Level Privilege membership includes these features, plus a complimentary stateroom category upgrade if available at the time of booking (excluding suites).
Amawaterways
www.amawaterways.com
Avalon Waterways
www.globusfamily.com/AvalonSpecialist
Viking River Cruises
www.vikingrivercruises.com/agents
