Jamie Biesiada
For many agencies today, efficiency is paramount, so anything that can save time and effort is a plus.
MAST Travel Network is introducing Agent Connect, a cruise booking engine, to help members book cruises more efficiently. The engine, powered by Traveltek, was announced at the consortium's recent conference.
MAST president John Warner said his consortium's members book cruises in a variety of ways, with cruise line booking platforms being popular but also telephone bookings.
“40 to 50 percent of bookings are still by phone,” Warner said.
There's nothing wrong with booking over the phone, but it takes longer than booking online, and MAST can reduce the percentage of phone bookings by using Agent Connect, he says.
“If you can do it yourself online, it's obviously more efficient,” he said.
Also, having one cruise booking platform means advisors won't have to learn multiple cruise line platforms, he said.
Agent Connect addresses another area as well.
“The new agents who join our team and the younger travel advisors who are coming into the industry want these tools,” Warner said. “They want access to these tools. They're very happy about it.”
Last year, MAST's cruise sales for both ocean and river cruises were strong and have continued to be strong this year. In fact, cruises are leading the growth rate compared to other segments.
Warner believes that new ships like Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas are certainly creating buzz among consumers, but ultimately, he said, it's the onboard experience that's likely what's driving such strong performance in the category.
Cruises appeal to all walks of life, and while some experiences cost extra, a lot is included in the fare. Onboard entertainment is varied and high quality, and the cruise lines' private beaches in the Caribbean are also a draw, Warner said.
“Those three elements are what really attracts a lot of cruise passengers,” he said.
