10 Questions About the Australian Travel Market April 2022
Online Interview with Kylie Tocco, Marketing Coordinator, Cruise Traveller
One of the best parts of an UnCruise Adventure is the people that you meet from all walks of life and all over the world. During the time of the pandemic, we have missed our international travelers so much - they are a wonderful part of the UnCruise community! Now that things have finally started to open up for international travel again, we had an e-chat with one of our best partners in Australia, Cruise Traveller, to get an inside look at the international travel market.
Q: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself and your agency?
A: Hello everyone! I’m Kylie, the Marketing Coordinator for Cruise Traveller. I’ve been working for Cruise Traveller over 10 years now, and my passion and enthusiasm for small ship cruising has only grown over the years. We love what we do and to help make people’s travel dreams come true is just amazing. On a daily basis I enjoy working on EDM’s (electronic direct marketing), enhancing our website, working on print and digital advertisements, proofing PR releases and so much more. It’s a diverse role which is what I love! Cruise Traveller specialises in small ship cruising to remote & exotic locations worldwide. We take you to places the bigger ships simply cannot reach! In no time, you can be watching brown bears skinning salmon, snorkeling with sea turtles, zodiac rides to see glaciers just to name a few experiences.
Q: How long were the borders closed in your country?
A: Australia closed the borders in 2020, and I can safely say that the travel itch has only grown over this time! We are so excited to for everything to be open again finally.
Q: With so much pent up demand – are you seeing business pick up recently?
A: It is really about if you don’t book now, you will miss the boat! Literally. Now is the time to book your dream voyage, especially if you have a particular itinerary or cabin you like.
Q: When do your guests want to travel? Are most of them booking 2022 holidays, or planning for 2023?
A: Generally the Australian market used to book about 18 months in advance. The norm has changed and we’re seeing interest in 2022, early 2023 which is wonderful. There may be an assumption that if you wait an incredible offer may present itself at the last moment, but with so much pent up demand, cruises are just selling out.
Q: Through your agency, what destinations are you seeing as most popular right now for international travelers?
A: We’re seeing a resurgence in Alaska & USA which is fantastic.
Q: What type of travelers are most eager to get going? (solo, couples, families, adventure?)
A: All of the above! Couples and solo travellers are adventurous and young at heart.
Q: How long on average do international travelers that you are booking today want to stay on holiday?
A: A few weeks. Generally Australian guests extend out their voyage with extra accommodation or add on a train trip for example.
Q: What would you say are the biggest challenges in booking international travel for your guests?
A: At the moment flight schedules are not as readily available as they once were. Also if you have a flight credit, now is the time to use it.
Q: We have so enjoyed your guests on board in the past. We’ve missed them and you! What would you say is the best traveler for an UnCruise?
A: An UnCruise traveller has a desire to get up close and personal to it all, and an adventurous spirit. Someone with a desire to view wildlife, learn more, take it all in, hike, kayak and zodiac ride.
Q: Thank you so much for your support. Are you aware of the content available via the agent portal (customizable flyers, videos, high resolution phots, graphics)? Are there other tools that would be useful for your sales?
A: Social media graphics with no call to action would be helpful for our team : )
Thank you so much to Kylie Tocco and the team at Cruise Traveller for your support from Australia. We look forward to welcoming your guests back with us.