CroisiEurope has announced that it is increasing trade focus for 2020 with a bigger campaign, including more fam trips and online training.

It is hoping to build on 2018’s 20 per cent year on year growth in trade bookings.

CroisiEurope UK sales director, John Fair, said: “The trade is hugely important to CroisiEurope and it is imperative that we do all that we can to support them and reward them for their loyalty.

“We are very keen to foster great agent relationships and that can only happen by going the extra mile to turn what is a great opportunity into sales growth. I’m confident that by increasing the focus on our trade activity yet further, and building on the great progress already made over the last two years, this will have a huge impact on our 2020 sales and beyond.”

As part of its trade boost, the cruise line is aiming for 150 agents to join fam trips in 2020, up from 80 in 2019 in addition to a wave season booking incentive. Until 31 January, agents will receive a complimentary cabin on a five-day cruise on the Seine, the Danube, in Venice or Bordeaux for every 10 passengers booking on any 2020 sailing.

It will also have an increased presence at agent roadshows throughout the UK and introduce an online training programme, due to launch in the second half 2020.

In a bid to help agents sell to guests, there will be an expanded long-haul product with a second ship in Africa, a summer season in Canada for La Belle des Oceans and new itineraries on the Nile and the Ganges.

Agents will continue to receive their commission and have access to CroisiEurope’s customised point of sale and other marketing materials.