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 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 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