Hey, it's
Kristin Erz!
Sales Director, Canada, Hurtigruten Americas
How have you been coping during the last few months and how have you been keeping busy?
There’s no question that these last few months have been challenging, which is a huge understatement, especially for the travel industry.
Personally, like many, I have been trying as much as possible to get outside and go hiking in our local provincial parks, spending time at the cottage on long weekends, and visiting Prince Edward County here in Ontario – it’s my favourite place to wine, dine (on the patio!) and explore locally.
Professionally, I’ve been spending my time completely rethinking the sales strategies, budgets, and marketing plans for Hurtigruten in Canada for 2021/2022, knowing the future landscape is going to be much different than how it was going into this year.
But to be honest, this is where I’m at now; if you asked me six months ago, the term “strategy” went completely out the window and survival mode took over. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely don’t have it all figured out, as there is still so much uncertainty in the future, but I feel like I am in a much more positive place.
“There’s no question we are all hopeful for, and working hard toward a strong comeback, but I can’t make light of the fact that our industry has suffered greatly and we have lost some incredible talent in the process. Although we are facing our greatest challenge yet, let’s not forget that our industry has proven time and time again that it is resilient.”
Kristin Erz
Hurtigruten
What do you miss most about travelling?
Is it too obvious to say that I just miss the opportunity of being able to travel? Travel runs through my veins, and needless to say I will never take travel for granted ever again. I miss everything, from my airport routine (when spending as much time in an airport as I used to, yes I had routines! Lol), stepping outside of my food comfort zone (fermented shark in Iceland, sure why not?), meeting new people (some of which have become lifelong friends), experiencing new cultures and communities, exploring off-the-beaten path… the list goes on.
What’s something not a lot of people know about Hurtigruten?
A few cool highlights about us:
- Hurtigruten are polar pioneers – we have been sailing since 1893 and we are the largest expedition cruise line in the world
- We were the world’s first major travel company to ban all unnecessary single-use plastics across our entire fleet, and in 2019 we launched the world’s first hybrid electric-powered ship the MS Roald Amundsen – she is a game-changing beauty!
- Hurtigruten holds a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest LIVE TV documentary, filmed onboard MS Nordnorge at a total length of 134 hours, 42 minutes and 45 seconds
Is there anything you want to share with travel agents?
Hurtigruten is here to support you. We understand that these are very challenging times, so right now we are offering a Buy One Get One Half Off promotion that is ONLY available to be booked through a Travel Advisor.
It is applicable for new, individual bookings until October 31, on select 21/22 Expedition Norway and Antarctica departures as well as 2021 Alaska and British Isles itineraries. And, as you may or may not know, we also give Canadian Residents an additional 20% savings to help offset the USD exchange rate, and this is always combinable with our promotions.
We have a great resource site for agents which can be found at agentportal.hurtigruten.com. Here you will have access to our booking engine, product info, marketing materials, image gallery/YouTube channel and more. You can also find us on Facebook, search for the private group ‘Hurtigruten Canada Travel Partners’.
Where’s the first place you want to go and why?
Surprisingly, it’s a difficult question to answer. I would love to see myself back on the road again, when it is safe to do so, visiting our travel partners across Canada, because so much of the joy in our industry comes from the relationships and human connection that go with it. I would love a second chance at taking that vacation to Scotland which was supposed to happen this summer, and of course, I would love nothing more than to be back onboard one of our ships because it’s where I am happiest!
There’s been a lot of talk about the industry coming out better on the other side of COVID-19. What are your hopes?
There’s no question we are all hopeful for, and working hard toward a strong comeback, but I can’t make light of the fact that our industry has suffered greatly and we have lost some incredible talent in the process. Although we are facing our greatest challenge yet, let’s not forget that our industry has proven time and time again that it is resilient.
Do you have anything to add?
On behalf of Hurtigruten, I would like to recognize and thank Travel Advisors all across Canada for taking such incredible care of our mutual clients during this very challenging and ever-changing time; you are warriors! Never again will anyone question the value of a travel advisor. We will get through this together and #wewillexploreagain.
