TravelManagers is increasing its focus on the cruise market after welcoming a 24 percent rise in cruise sales for the first nine months of 2011 compared to the corresponding period last year.

Hosting two cruise workshops at the agency’s 2011 National Conference in Melbourne this year, House of Travel cruise general manager Linda Halliday said this year this the company has split its cruise classes to cater to various levels of expertise.

Agents familiar with the cruise sector will be able to attend workshops that will cover consumer trends in the industry while less intensive sessions have been organized to update those relatively new to the sector.

“I’ll be highlighting the characteristics and profile of cruisers, the common perceptions or myths on cruise as a holiday option and the key influences on the client’s decision to cruise,” Ms Halliday said in a statement.

“The main focus for my second workshop is to provide an insight into consumer trends and preferences when it comes to cruising, identifying the consumer segments with the most potential for growth and how to stimulate these groups in our personal travel managers’ local community.”

Mr Halliday added that social media will also be on the plate, with workshops touching on the impact of new technology on the cruise market and how it can add to an agent’s client base.

The TravelManagers National Conference kicked off today at the Crowne Promenade in Melbourne today and will run until late Saturday.

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