The two companies presented on their partnerships with Smithsonian Journeys, including opportunities to combine ocean and river itineraries.
Tracey Brennan, regional sales manager New Zealand for AmaWaterways River Cruises, says the majority of the 90 agents who RSVP’d for the event were CLIA members keen to hear about how they can elevate their customers’ experiences.
‘All Smithsonian Journeys departures have two Smithsonian experts aboard ranging from economists, historians, music or art specialists and many more,’ she adds.
Clients on these excursions can experience immersive tours in places like Portugal’s Coa Archaeological Park or museums such as the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris or Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Alan Wilcock, country manager New Zealand with PONANT, says the Smithsonian adds an extra layer to experiences that are already known for their teams or expedition leaders and experts The line has a dedicated Smithsonian brochure that includes architectural historians, geologists, former diplomats, linguistic anthropologists, professors of classical art and many more on journeys that range from Antarctica to the Greek islands, Madagascar, Indonesia, the Scottish Isles and beyond .
‘Look at your database for lecturers, teachers, academics and others who might be looking for this kind of experience instead of a Broadway style show each night,’ he told the trade audience on Wednesday.
Wilcock is also highlighting a Set Sail & Save special with Smithsonian Journeys offering a €500 per person shipboard credit.
‘The big message from the Cruise360 conference (in Sydney last week) was that expedition and solo travellers are the big trends in cruising right now and we cater for both of those,’ he adds.
At the PONANT and AmaWaterways event in Auckland Art Gallery on Wednesday…Sarah Porter, Wild Earth Travel; Sylvia Marky, Shore Travel; Sharon Race, Race Travel
Jo Saunderson, New Zealand Travel Brokers; Tracey Brennan, AmaWaterways; Therese Brooking, Walk this Way Travel
Tracey Fernindand, Slice of Heaven; Evelyn Lee, Jeffrey Liu, both Midday Travel
Sarah Hunter, GO Holidays; Lesley Johns, Caroline Hedley, Lizzie Brett, all Helloworld Travel
