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A positive, resilient attitude and continued willingness to serve current clients and pursue new ones during the pandemic will see travel companies and agents thrive when international borders reopen, according to Australia’s leading small ship cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller.

“I know it feels like we’re going nowhere with the endless cycle of making bookings, building itineraries and then cancelling them but we’re not wasting our time – all this work is a positive thing that will lead us out of this,” said Cruise Traveller Managing Director, Craig Bowen, “Despite the despair in the industry, there are opportunities to grow and prosper during this crisis so it’s important to not give up.”

Mr Bowen said he was positive the travel industry would enjoy a “wonderful resurgence” in the wake of the pandemic and that travel agents and companies should work now to lock in future business.

“Yes, our travel industry is down but we’re far from out,” Mr Bowen said. “If you look after your guests or clients now, in the middle of a pandemic, despite all the likely changes to travel plans, you will win their long-term loyalty.

“Don’t avoid taking new bookings, despite the hassles that may eventuate. Australians love to travel and want to travel and if they book with us now, entrusting us with their money, what a wonderful stamp of faith in us – in any travel agent. They believe in us and if we manage the booking and look after them through any cancellations or postponements, we are solidifying our relationship with them. It may not seem, now, that you are getting anywhere but every guest you take care of now is a loyal, repeat guest in the future and a firm advocate for your busines once we can all travel again so you’re nurturing your future business.

“Instead of avoiding customers right now, it’s important to truly connect with them and maintain a sense of excitement for the adventures that WILL unfold soon. It’s crucial for all of us in the travel industry to remain hopeful and determined to not only survive this crisis, but thrive when open travel returns.”

Mr Bowen said Cruise Traveller had also, obviously, been hit hard by the pandemic but that a strategy of innovation,  positivity and resilience had enabled the business to diversify and expand to ensure it was in even better shape on the other side of Covid-19. “It’s been challenging but our entire team of highly experienced professionals is still here, we’ve gained new cruise line partners, broadened our resources and launched fresh initiatives to bolster the business.

“I’m confident that the positive and proactive approach Cruise Traveller has demonstrated over the past 12 months will help us grow the wonderful small ship sector in 2022 and beyond.”

Established in 2003, Cruise Traveller has grown to become Australia’s leader in the small ship market, representing 56 boutique, luxury, river and expedition cruising operators around the world.

www.cruisetraveller.com.au