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by Newsdesk |
Source: www.travelagentcentral.com, December 2018
According to its 2019 Wave Season Survey, Avoya Travel found that 100 percent of the surveyed agencies believe 2019 Wave sales will match or exceed last year’s record-breaking season.
Comparatively, Avoya Travel’s survey last year found that over 80 percent of its agencies believed the 2018 Wave season’s sales would be the same of better than 2017. This figure ended up being spot on, with the 2019 survey confirming that a similar percentage experienced equal or greater sales.
Avoya Travel’s agencies reported a variety of reasons for their confidence. Primarily, 2018’s strong sales, from Wave season and throughout the year, point to continued growth for the 2019 Wave. Other reasons include increased inventory with new ships and itineraries, the strong economy and low unemployment, retiring Baby Boomers who want to and can afford to travel and a greater level of confidence and organization going into the upcoming Wave season.
Most surveyed agencies predict growth among all products segments of the leisure travel industry. In particular, more than 70 percent of respondents foresee sales increases in the upper premium and luxury cruise market and river cruises.
Avoya Travel’s survey found that 80 percent of its agencies believe Europe will be the best seller of the 2019 Wave season. Coming in second and third were Alaska and the Caribbean. Avoya Travel believed its recent investment in its resorts portfolio and partnership with The Mark Travel Corporation will likely also lead to higher sales in the Caribbean and Mexico.
