As global cruise demand rises, the Flight Centre Travel Group has today announced that its Cruise Boutique brand is set to launch in New Zealand.
Operating under the Travel Associates brand, the local Cruise Boutique will be staffed by specialist cruise advisors, available virtually across the country, led by Simon Matthews and Tania Paull.
The model is already established in Australia, and local head of luxury brands at FCTG Kelly de Graaf says the Kiwi move is a ‘really big deal’ as cruise regains momentum. “I don’t think anyone is doing this in the market in New Zealand, and I just see such an opportunity to collect our experts that are so passionate about cruising and get them to just do what they love,” she tells Travel Today.
Touching on the local launch, Cruise Lines International Association executive director Australasia Joel Katz says, that as cruise options continue to expand, professional advice and specialist expertise have never been more valuable. “Global demand for cruis ing continues to grow strongly, and almost 80 new ships are set for launch over the coming decade,” he says. “That growth is creating enormous opportunities for cruise specialist travel advisors in New Zealand, particularly as cruising becomes more diverse across con temporary, premium, luxury, expedition and river segments.”
Travel Associates is currently recruiting for cruise consultants, says De Graaf.
