Spotlight on Cruising in Upcoming House of Travel Expo

Spotlight on Cruising in Upcoming House of Travel Expo

31 July 2012 – With the continued interest in cruising, House of Travel will be placing the spotlight of its August Expo specifically on the Cruise category. The New Zealand market for cruise grew by 32% in 2011, demonstrating the strength in demand by kiwis, wanting to holiday at sea.

“We have over 30 cruise lines represented in our Auckland Cruise Expo this year, representing every continent on the planet, and the range of cruise options available, are immense. We have ocean cruising, boutique cruising, European river cruising and even adventure itineraries for the more intrepid traveller,” says Linda Halliday, Cruise Specialist from House of Travel.

The ease, comfort and satisfaction with cruise holidays has driven a plethora of new itineraries and themes to satisfy all age groups and interests. “77% of those who have cruised, have the intention of rebooking on another cruise within three years,” says Halliday. “Increasingly we are seeing the Cruises themselves as the ‘destination’ – not just the countries and ports they sail to.”

Halliday quotes examples such as top chefs transforming dining experiences, like Luke Mangan’s signature restaurant onboard two P&O ships cruising local waters, and cruises with Cirque de Soleil performing on board, as examples of how the category is constantly finding new ways of winning over repeat customers. “Cruise customers are thirsty for knowledge on the new offerings and best deals available. And with the strength of the New Zealand dollar, cruising has never been more affordable – especially around the US and Europe.” 2012 has so far seen particularly strong growth in the River Cruising market as kiwis flock to Europe on the back of a strong kiwi currency.

House of Travel’s Auckland Cruise Show will be held on Saturday 11th August at the Viaduct Events Centre with free entry. There will be exclusive show deals on offer, seminars held throughout the day, and cruise experts on hand. Visitors who book as a result of the show can also enter a draw to win a 3 night P&O Food & Wine short break cruise for 2 people.

About House of Travel
House of Travel is a favourite among New Zealanders, looking to plan and book holidays. Established in 1987, the House of Travel Group now spans the length of breadth of New Zealand with over 60 retail outlets, and has an expanding network of travel consultants across Australia.

House of Travel is fiercely proud of its New Zealand owned and operated status, and employs over 1200 group-wide. It supports a successful owner-operator partnership model with its retail outlets nationwide, as well as specialist Corporate, Wholesale, and Groups operations.

House of Travel is known for its innovative market approach, and commitment to providing expert travel advice and high quality holiday experiences. House of Travel online has won numerous awards since it began in 2004, including Overall Excellence in the Use of IT at the Computerworld Excellence Awards in 2005; and has been voted the best Travel Site in the NetGuide Peoples Choice Awards in since 2006.

ENDS

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