MSC Cruises has launched new sales initiatives targeting agents in order to improve their knowledge of the company and to encourage them recommend its cruises to holidaymakers through the use of online and tailored training sessions, online sales tools and one-to-one meetings. This follows the company’s recent announcement that it has experienced a 50 per cent increase in the number of its UK passengers in the last 12 months, 39 per cent higher than the current UK industry average as well as a 60 per cent increase in revenue.

Over the last two months, MSC Cruises has launched its own online training programme, easyasmsc.co.uk, which has already seen a 55 per cent take-up rate among agents.

In addition, as the UK cruise market is rapidly expanding, a significant portion of passengers are new to cruising. In order to assist agents with inexperienced cruisers, it has launched MSC TV which provides an ideal sales tool. It enables agents to show clients directly the cruise ship they are considering sailing on and what they can expect on board. Over the last three months, nearly 5,000 people have used this service.

Stephen Moffett, MSC Cruises UK and Ireland director of sales, says: “This integrated training approach comes at a time when MSC Cruises is experiencing rapid growth in the UK market.

“With  this expansion comes the need to ensure agents have the right information, training and confidence our the brand. As a result, to compliment our online training, MSC Cruises is providing one-to-one training sessions with agents which offer a more in-depth programme tailored to individual agent needs. Additionally, the sales team is reinforcing this by scheduling meetings with agents. To highlight the scale of this task, the sales team will be personally meeting with over 300 agents across the country over the next few days which will also allow them to provide details on the latest deals and promotions.”

MSC Cruises’ latest deal provided to agents includes savings of up to £250 per person off the early booking price when booked during September. This deal is valid from 1 September 2009 - 30 September 2009 and available on all  cruises taken in 2010 and Caribbean cruises taken in 2009.