CruiseIn addition to a new course that helps agents better market to clients, Uniworld’s new cabin upgrade bidding system can ramp up commission.

Uniworld steers agents on a faster course to capture upturn in river cruising

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“With another exciting year ahead for Uniworld, working together with our travel advisor partners remains a top priority,” says Uniworld’s Ellen Bettridge.
“With another exciting year ahead for Uniworld, working together with our travel advisor partners remains a top priority,” says Uniworld’s Ellen Bettridge. Photo Credit: Uniworld

Uniworld’s dedicated travel agent online training portal ‘Uniworld University’ has expanded to include the 2022 river cruise advisor course and stateroom upgrade programme.

The Travel Corporation (TTC) is seeing a "very strong returning interest in our Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Uniworld and Contiki brands," as shared by Nicholas Lim, CEO of TTC Asia. In light of that, Uniworld looks forward to supporting its travel advisors in a year when the river cruise sector is on an upward trajectory.

“We have designed our courses to be engaging and dynamic, providing our advisors all the necessary information needed to confidently sell to their clients,” said Ellen Bettridge, CEO and president of Uniworld. “We are very grateful for these partnerships and look forward to another year of spectacular Uniworld trips with their clients onboard.”

Aptly named “New for 2022”, the training programme expansion homes in on new offerings that cruisers can expect onboard Uniworld’s river cruises this year.

Through the course, agents will glean insights on Uniworld’s expanded line-up of Cruise & Rail itineraries, including a rail-only option on the Trans-Siberian Express, and trips to Milan, Venice & Istanbul, and Castles of Transylvania & The Enchanting Danube.

Upon successful completion of the class, agents will be granted the special privilege of receiving up to 60% off 2022 sailings.

The river cruise line is also extending additional privileges in the form of its Category+ programme which allows cruises to bid on cabin upgrades and earn extra commission for agents in the process.

In the lead-up to a scheduled cruise sailing, travellers can browse through a range of staterooms, suites or other accommodations in a higher category that are still available, and offer bids in hopes of securing a cabin for lower prices. Payment will only go through if the bid is accepted. If the cruise booking was originally made with an agent, the agent will receive commission on the additional amount paid.

“At Uniworld, we’re always looking for new ways to elevate our guests’ river cruise experience,” Bettridge said. “Our new Category+ stateroom programme will give our guests an opportunity to add even more luxury to their vacation at a price point of their choosing, risk-free.”

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