According to the first Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook Report of 2017 from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), trends continue to reflect a current state and forecast of positive sales growth.
"Travel agents have their fingers on the pulse of what is happening in the cruise industry. By tapping into insights through the Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook report, the industry is able to forecast upcoming travel and traveler behavior trends and tailor business strategies accordingly," said Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA, in a press release.
There certainly is no slump in the growing trajectory of the cruise industry thanks to increasing sales. Statistically, 77 percent of cruise travel agents say their overall volume is improved over 2016.
Plus, 74 percent anticipate more client spending this year, in particular on shore excursions.
Customer satisfaction is also up. 47 percent of agents report greater numbers from ocean cruises versus all-inclusive resorts (21 percent) and house or condo rentals (7 percent). River cruises are also showing appreciating popularity.
Behaviorally, clients are now also preferring shorter cruises-particularly those less than two weeks in length-over longer ones. In fact, 43 percent of agents indicate that interest is greatest for three to five-day sailings, and 44 percent expect more reservations of six to eight-day voyages. What's more, North America-based travel agents have witnessed a boom in domestic travel.
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Also trending are multiple generations and groups. Thanks to amenities and activities that appeal to all demographics, cruise bookings are up across all age segments. Specifically, 67 percent have seen more reservations from Boomers while 55 percent have experienced an increase in sales from Generation X. (Curiously, Millennials, or Generation Y, is absent from the latest featured findings.)
Rounding out the list of draws for cruise newbies are all-inclusive perks. Highest among them are the chance to see several destinations, have an international experience, unpack only once for the entire voyage and not be concerned about a hefty charge at the conclusion of the cruise.
The Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook Report is based on data compiled from an online survey of the CLIA Travel Agent Research Panel consisting of 700 travel agents in North America.
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