Avalon maintains NZ dominance

AVALON Waterways is seeing growth out of both Australia and New Zealand, with MD Pam Hoffee telling CW last night she was particularly thrilled at the brand’s continued leadership in the NZ river cruise sector.

Hoffee, in Sydney for a key Globus family of brands management meeting, attributed Avalon’s performance to its strong diversity of product.

“We’re really happy with our numbers, and it’s great that we are the number one brand in New Zealand in terms of market share,” she said.

The varied product range includes Avalon’s shorter itinerary offerings, which Hoffee said were allowing travellers to sample a river cruise or fit one in around other European activities, appealing to both seasoned river cruisers and those who may be new to cruise.

There are three-night “Taste of the Danube” and “Taste of the Rhine” Avalon cruises, as well as a five-night itinerary in Germany.

Hoffee also highlighted Avalon’s range of “Active and Discovery” voyages, which are attracting a new, younger demographic.

She said the average age on these departures was six years lower than other trips, also attracting multi-generational and family travellers who “want to do something a bit different”.

“There are so many choices of excursions,” Hoffee enthused, with activities like bike riding and cave exploring complementing painting and cooking classes.

Also new for 2020 is a handful of “Special Interest” cruises, with itineraries customised for photographers, gastronomes, history buffs and nature-lovers.