Travel agents canvassed in CLIA’s latest Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook Report say that river cruises are currently one of the hottest trends in the cruise industry. In fact, nearly four out of five travel agents (79%) said that a river cruise is a great way to introduce “new to cruise” travellers to cruising.

And agents also said that river cruises are ideal for clients looking for new or different experiences, smaller ships, destination immersion and a relaxed way to see Europe.

As a result, Europe is seeing an uptick in popularity, with river cruises there seeing a 53% year-over-year growth to eastern waterways (Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Elbe) and a 30% growth to western channels (Soane, Seine, Loire), as well as a 24% growth to the south (Douro, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne, Po).

Rob Huffman, vice-president sales, USA, Scenic Group, pointed out that, “The results of last quarter’s survey were no surprise. We’ve seen tremendous growth for both of our river cruise brands – Scenic and Emerald Waterways – on the traditional European routes like the Danube, as well as on newer routes like the Douro.”

Other findings in the Travel Agent Cruise Industry Report include:

• Cruise Bookings and Spending Soar – four out of five travel agents (84%) stated bookings are up when compared to last year. Additionally, 83% reported spending is up, as well. More than a quarter of agents (28%) reported clients are spending greater than 10% more than one year ago.
• Alaska Reigns – Alaska has been consistently the top growth destination for the last three years of the report. More than two-thirds of travel agents (67%) reported seeing increased interest in the northernmost US state. Alaska has gained an even wider margin than in the past.
• Destination Interest Up Double Digits – Some cruise destinations have seen a double-digit spike in interest from just a year ago. In Mediterranean Europe, increased interest has jumped from 25% to 42% (up 17%) over the past year. South America has seen growth in interest from just 9% last year to 20% today.
• Travel Agent Knowledge and Advocacy – Overwhelmingly, travel agents stated the most beneficial attribute for travel clients is the ability to provide valuable experience and product knowledge (86%). Agents also reported another travel agent benefit is the ability to leverage relationships and expertise if something goes wrong (81%).

For more, visit https://cruising.org/-/media/ta-outlook/travel-agent-cruise-industry-outlook-december-2018.pdf.