‘New to cruise includes new consultants and those who are coming back to the industry, but it also covers agents who have been selling travel for a long time and are now seeing value in the sector,’ Leckey adds.

Leckey says many agents who may traditionally focus on VFR, air and land have fantastic databases. ‘A lot of their clients are potential cruisers but the agents haven’t realised this in the past.’

He adds that the way the industry has changed makes cruise even more attractive for travel sellers.

‘Cruise pays commission on food, accommodation, entertainment, transfers, excursions – it’s all covered. ‘Cruisers are recidivist repeat bookers so it makes sense to suggest cruise every time, even if someone comes in and asks for a cheap fare to Sydney.’

HOT Cruise had a booth at the supplier sessions during the Global Travel Network (GTN) Conference at Novotel Twin Waters Sunshine Coast late July.