Azamara seeks trade feedback with new advisory group
Azamara Cruises has announced plans to launch a new UK Partner Advisory Panel to canvas feedback from the trade
The panel will be made up of ten of Azamara’s key industry contacts, including representatives from cross-industry cruise retail sectors such as travel agents, cruise specialists, homeworkers, tour operators and consortia.
Representatives from brands such as Iglu, Fred. Olsen Travel, ROL Cruise, Trailfinders, Panache Cruises, Advantage Travel Partnership, Gold Medal, Hays Travel and World Travel Holdings will join the board.
The aim of the panel is for brand advocates to share their thoughts and feedback with the small-ship line’s senior leadership team on what they would like to see from the company.
In turn, Azamara will share with the panel details of forthcoming new products, services and initiatives to gain their valuable feedback prior to launch.
The initiative is due to launch later this month at a lunch and briefing session to be hosted by the line’s senior leadership team including international chief sales officer David Siewers; newly appointed chief marketing officer Lisa Kauffman; Stuart Pearce, director of sales UK and Ireland; and members of Azamara’s trade relations team.
Siewers said: “We’re delighted to launch our Partner Advisory Panel, bringing together key partners to discuss our future ambitions and gain their valuable input.
“Our agent partners are fundamental to our future success, so this collaborative forum will allow us to share ideas and initiatives with the travel professionals who know our business best. By working together from the outset, we can ensure new products and processes truly meet market needs.”
Two meetings will be hosted annually, one in person and one virtual. Members of the panel may also be called upon periodically throughout the year as and when new ideas arise.
Siewers added: “Given that nearly 90 per cent of our overall business comes via the trade, agents play an important and fundamental role in our future strategy as a brand and, therefore, the open and transparent relationships we have with our valued agent partners are paramount.”
