A-Rosa has launched its first online training course to help agents sell the river cruise line.

Created in partnership with Online Travel Training, the course aims to help agents increase their knowledge of the brand and its itineraries.

Between now and November, A-Rosa will enter every agent who successfully completes the course into a prize draw to win a five-night cruise on the Seine for two people, while two places on an A-Rosa educational trip are up for grabs. In addition, every agent who completes the course between 11 June and 20 June will be entered into a daily draw to win a £40 voucher of their choice. 

The programme consists of five modules: river cruise advantages and the A-Rosa story; what A-Rosa offers and a typical day on board; destinations, itineraries and international fleet; key unique selling points; and how to book.

At the end of each module agents need to complete a set of questions before they can move to the next stage. The final module gives details on all the tour operator partners that agents can book through, including Newmarket Holidays, Shearings Holidays, Saga and Titan, plus how to become a travel agent partner. 

Upon completing all modules agents will become an ‘A-Rosa Expert’ and can print out a certificate to display. 

A-Rosa UK and Ireland MD Lucia Rowe said: “Never before have we offered agents a dedicated training tool like this. We know our product is a little different and once agents have completed this course, they should have a much clearer understanding of the type of customers that our style of cruising will appeal to.

“This investment in agent training further reinforces our commitment to selling only via the trade in the UK and I’d encourage as many agents as possible to go online and take the course.”

A-Rosa recently christened its newest ship, A-Rosa Alva, at a ceremony in Porto.