Celebrity Cruises will invite 200 top-performing agents to the maiden UK voyage of Celebrity Edge next May.
The line will host a “Festival of Edge”, giving trade partners the chance to experience the ship during a two-night sailing from Southampton on May 13-15.
As part of the latest Celebrity Moments campaign, agents can earn a stateroom for two by making and registering as many Celebrity bookings as possible between August 30 and November 14.
Claire Stirrup, director of sales, UK and Ireland, told TTG: “The biggest question we’ve had from agents since we announced Edge was coming to the UK is ‘how do I get onboard?’.
“We really wanted to do something special in recognition of how much we value our agents, and what better way than by offering them the hottest ticket in town?”
Stirrup said more revelations about onboard activities for agents would be made in the coming months, with the names of those chosen to sail announced before Christmas. “But that doesn’t mean we’ve given away all our staterooms – just watch this space,” she added.
Stirrup explained how the line, which was enjoying year-on-year double-digit growth, had decided to run the incentive ahead of the traditional turn-of-year wave booking period to allow agents to focus on securing sales and have “the best possible chance” of earning a place.
Celebrity is offering incentives on selected sailings such as savings of up to £600 per stateroom, a complimentary classic drinks package for two and European flights from £99pp.
New marketing and point-of-sale materials will be provided including a selling guide detailing key itineraries, deals and tips.
Celebrity has also “enhanced” its Celebrity Rewards programme for the campaign, offering more points on higher value bookings.
Inside and Oceanview stateroom bookings will earn 500 points; Balcony and Concierge bookings 1,000 points; and AquaClass and Suite Class bookings will earn 2,000 points.
“We listened to feedback about Celebrity Rewards and if the changes work for agents, we would absolutely look at extending it,” Stirrup added.
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