HAL Makes Booking Groups More Rewarding....

[Krazy Kruizers]

Holland America Line Makes Booking Groups More Rewarding for Travel Sellers with Double GAP Points in 2010

 

 

 

Seattle, March 30, 2009 – To give travel sellers even more reason to create cruise groups and earn revenue, Holland America Line has announced 2010 Double GAP Points, a program that doubles the Group Advantage Program (GAP) points for all 2010 groups. New groups must be booked by August 31, 2009 through Polar Online.

GAP points permit agents to customize groups with specific amenities such as wine tastings, cooking classes, cocktail receptions, shipboard credits, monogrammed bathrobes and Pinnacle Grill dinners. In addition, travel sellers may use GAP points to alter a group’s tour conductor ratio to increase profitability.

“Affinity groups are a great way to increase revenue and we’ve just given travel sellers a large incentive to expand groups and close sales,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “With double GAP points, travel sellers can combine enhanced group amenities with incentives available through our Vacation Stimulus Plan.”

Holland America Line offers many ways to cater to group cruises, providing incentive amenities based on GAP points established by the cruise destination, date and length. Travel professionals can then select amenities to customize a group’s cruising experience. The premium line also offers custom GAP packages tailored for weddings, family reunions and culinary groups.

2010 Double GAP Points is in addition to current Vacation Stimulus Plan promotions for sailings departing next year. These feature unprecedented low fares and free or reduced cruise fares for a third or fourth person in a stateroom. Also available are a 25 percent savings on the standard Cancellation Protection Plan, standard deposits reduced by 50 percent, no deposits required for thirds and fourths, 25 percent discounts on most pre- and post-cruise hotel packages and suspended fuel supplements for cruises.

GAP points are based on a per person value and vary by the cruise region and length. Double GAP Points applies to 2010 sailing beginning with December 2009 holiday cruises. Grand voyages and select cruises are excluded. All new groups must be made through Polar Online by August 31, 2009. GAP selections must be selected 90 days prior to the cruise departure.

For more information on creating cruise groups and GAP amenities, Holland America Line offers a free guide “Developing Group Business.” To download or order a printed copy, visit www.travelagentheadquarters.com and look under the Sales Tools tab or call 1-800-544-0443. Polar Online can be accessed at the web site, too.