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All aspects of a Viking river cruise are now fully commissionable to agents. // (c) Viking River Cruises |
Viking River Cruises announced that, effective June 9, it will pay commission on every aspect of a client’s booking, from the cruise and airfare to shore excursions, port charges, taxes, fees, travel protection plans and more.
“This unprecedented commission policy was developed with input from leaders in the travel agency community, and it is very simple,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises. “If an agent sells a Viking River Cruises itinerary, they earn a commission on all of it. Our partners will be paid for everything they sell.”
In addition, Viking will offer many other commissionable upgrades, such as Premium Economy or Business Class airfare upgrades, beverage packages, gift orders and more. The new commission program will apply to all new 2010 and 2011 bookings, and Viking will continue to pay commissions 29 days prior to departure.
Since Viking started its operations in the U.S. 10 years ago, the company has pursued an inclusive river cruise pricing policy, and this move extends the inclusive aspect to its agent partners. Brochure prices include shore excursions, use of Wi-Fi (where available), complimentary wine at dinner and port charges. Airfare prices are inclusive of governmental fees and charges as well as airport transfers.
“Since our inception, Viking has prided itself on its relationships with the travel agent community, and with this program we reaffirm this commitment,” Hagen added. “Currently, our average commissions are more than $1,000 per booking; by commissioning everything, earnings will increase by an average of $100, and agents will have an even greater incentive to sell Viking. Now, the world’s leading river cruise line has the world’s leading commission program.”
Viking River Cruises
www.vikingrivercruises.com/agents
