Uniworld is encouraging New Zealand agents to think of its river cruise offerings for every European enquiry that comes in, as it continues to build momentum in this market and bring Luxury Gold into the fold.
Alice Ager, md Australia & New Zealand for Uniworld, says travel agents in New Zealand have embraced the brand with open arms, even with the current global uncertainty. Ager tells Travel Today they are seeing really strong high yield bookings coming in on a daily basis, with 2027 pacing ‘really well’.
France is the most popular destination, with Portugal also performing well, and Ager says Egypt is booming, urging agents to consider using the Arab republic as a stopover gateway into a European itinerary.
Behind this demand is the brand’s increasing presence in New Zealand driven by bdm Alka Thappar, who Ager says has had a huge impact on awareness and results for Uniworld, as well as its ‘exceptional’ offering.
“I think the agents in New Zealand are really starting to see that point of difference and putting Uniworld in front of clients who have that demand and budget,” say Ager. “We’re seeing some really good traction, and that investment into our new fleet is certainly getting attention.”
This investment includes a lot of new ships, each tailored to the river in which they will sail, as well as behind the scenes upgrades in technology, and an elevation of the food and beverage offerings on board.
And with Uniworld making gains in regards to its popularity, the focus is turning to its small group high-end land touring as well with the amalgamation of Luxury Gold, which Ager explains is becoming part of Uniworld.
“So in the future we will no longer just be known as a river cruise line, we will become a luxury travel company and Luxury Gold will become a very key component of our travel portfolio for luxury travellers,” she explains.
Clients will enjoy a seamless experience from a Luxury Gold trip straight onto a river ship with Uniworld, with Ager saying it’s to be really consistent across the board.
“All of our engagement, all of our activity, is bringing the Luxury Gold, bought to you by Uniworld messaging,” she says “We’re putting a lot of focus on bringing that to market and bringing that to life for our travel agents in New Zealand.”
These agents, she adds are everything. “We are absolutely working in partnership and hand in glove with travel agents in New Zealand, and nothing will change there.”
