Fam trips (82%), followed by content I can share with

my customers (61%) are the tools most in demand when

we asked advisors what type of additional support they

would like. A lower percentage of respondents mentioned

webinars (46%), in-person training (45%), and more

educational information (45%).

While Canadian advisors were in agreement about Fams

(88%), In-person training (63%) was in higher demand than

the overall sample.

One agent said she would like “help with cruise nights for

prospective clients,” while another said he wanted “better

videos I can share with my clients.” Several agents said

suppliers should make sure webinars can be replayed so

they can watch them later.

Training courses without fams have limited effect. “I have

completed all the river cruise companies training that I sell,

but have only sailed on one line (and) need to see more,”

said one agent.

Another told us, “I believe personal experience is the best

incentive. I’ve sold more river cruses this past year than

ever before because of sailing on AmaWaterways and

CrosiEurope recently, and more Crystal Rivers and longer

cruises since attending Cruise Planners’ Luxury/River

Cruising Forum for the past two years.”

Suppliers also need to pay more attention to their collateral.

“I need digital content suitable for client consumption that

clearly identifies the travel agency and not the vendor.

We will not promote a vendor unless the travel agency is

clearly the point of contact,” one advisor noted.

Most Needed Support

34

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CHART 14

What type of additional support would you like to see from River Cruise suppliers?

(check all that apply)

45%

61%

45%

46%

82%

Fam Trips

Content I can share with my customers

Webinars

In-person training

More Educational Information From Suppliers