The month of May is filled with various holidays, but one that may not be as widely recognized outside of the industry is Travel Advisor Appreciation Day. This day serves as a reminder of the essential role that travel advisors play in supporting the success of cruise lines. According to projections by Phocuswright, travel advisors are expected to make up 71% of the cruise gross booking share by 2026.
On Travel Advisor Appreciation Day, which falls on May 1st, several cruise lines and travel companies offered various perks and incentives to show their appreciation for travel advisors. These offers aim to not only recognize the hard work of travel advisors but also to incentivize them to continue booking trips and creating memorable experiences for their clients.
Several luxury cruise lines are offering unique opportunities for travel advisors to earn more commissions and enjoy additional benefits. For example, one particular cruise line is providing travel advisors with the chance to earn a $100 gift card for booking guests on select European 2024 sailings before May 31st. In addition, advisors can earn a $400 bonus commission on any 2024 voyage after completing a RSSC University course.
Some cruise lines are going above and beyond by offering travel advisors the opportunity to win exciting prizes. For instance, Scenic is rewarding the advisor who makes the most FIT bookings by June 30th with two seats to Taylor Swift’s concert in Miami on October 20th. The winner will also receive a three-night hotel stay, round trip airfare for two, and a special day with Scenic Group’s executive team at their headquarters.
Apart from contests and incentives, cruise lines are also offering training programs to help travel advisors enhance their skills and knowledge. Windstar, for example, is providing a $100 commission bonus for each cabin booked for a new-to-Windstar guest in May. Additionally, Windstar is now paying out commissions 29 days before the cruise departure rather than after departure, providing advisors with earlier access to their earnings.
In their efforts to support and recognize travel advisors, cruise lines are providing various opportunities for advisors to expand their expertise and earn additional rewards. Advisors who become Windstar Cruise Star Specialists have the chance to earn back the cruise fare of their eligible fam trip in the form of a future commission payment, further emphasizing the value placed on their contributions.
As the travel industry continues to navigate challenges and changes, the role of travel advisors remains crucial in providing personalized experiences and expert advice to travelers. By offering incentives, rewards, and training programs, cruise lines are not only recognizing the hard work of travel advisors but also investing in their continued success. Travel Advisor Appreciation Day serves as a reminder of the valuable partnerships between travel advisors and cruise lines, highlighting the importance of collaboration in creating unforgettable travel experiences.