Virtuoso flags “bumper year” for cruise
THE Virtuoso luxury travel agency network is expecting cruise sales to surge even further in 2023, off the back of a very strong year of recovery in 2022.
Speaking in Fiji at the Virtuoso Owner Managers Forum yesterday, the organisation’s Australia/NZ GM, Fiona Dalton, said cruise has continued its “strong and vital recovery”, with 27% more business on the books for preferred cruise partners at the start of the year than at the commencement of 2019.
“That’s well ahead of Virtuoso nonpreferred cruise, and with an uplift in every category, most especially in luxury ocean, river and of course here in our region, where expedition has outstripped 2019 levels by 109%,” she said.
Figures revealed during the opening session of the conference showed that across the Virtuoso network in Australia and NZ, advance cruise bookings as at 2022 already stand at 129% of 2019 sales in the premium category, 133% for luxury ocean voyages, 143% for river cruising, and a whopping 219% for expedition.
There are almost 190 attendees at the sold-out Virtuoso Forum taking place over the next couple of days at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, including 90 agency owner-managers and 45 suppliers.
Yesterday’s opening session included an enthusiastic presentation from Explora Journeys Chief Sales Officer Chris Austin, showcasing the multibillion dollar investment in the luxury startup by MSC Group.
Austin also took part in a panel session convened by agency owner Anthony Goldman, which noted the key role cruise can play in travel agency profitability.
“If you’re not selling cruise today, then make sure you sell it tomorrow because it’s a fantastic opportunity,” said.
THE 2023 Virtuoso Owners and Managers Forum kicked off in fine style last night at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, which pulled out all stops to host a stellar welcome function on the shores of Denarau Island. After an intensive opening session during which the almost 200 delegates were updated on a host of upcoming Virtuoso initiatives, guests were ready to let their hair down and celebrate being together during the group’s first Australia and NZ offshore conference since 2019.
Participants include travel agency owners and managers from across Australia and New Zealand along with a strong contingent of cruise suppliers and senior Virtuoso executives from the USA.