Speaking at the 2022 Clia Conference onboard the line’s Iona on Saturday (21 May), Paul Ludlow also urged agents to challenge P&O on how it can continue to provide them with support. 

"We have had a lot of change in the travel industry over the last 20 years, but there has been one thing that has remained consistent – and that is our travel agent partners," he told delegates. 

"Travel agents are still – and will be for a long time, if not [for]ever – the major source of our business. The industry has grown, and our agent partners have grown with us, so you are vitally important to what we do.

"You need to keep challenging us, by telling us how you want us to work with you. Coming out of the pandemic, things have changed, so we need to hear from you on how you need our support."

Ludlow also announced a new booking incentive during the conference, where agents who book a holiday on new-ship Arvia between now and July can secure a place on the vessel’s inaugural activities at the end of the year.

"This will be incredibly exciting," Ludlow added. "We have more than 1,000 places to give away on Arvia’s inaugural event, so get booking in the next couple of months.

"We really want to recognise those sales that you make and thank you. Be reassured as business grows, we will be with you every step of the way."