Looking to its profitable and resurgent group business, AmaWaterways on Tuesday announced an extension of its bonus commission program and its online AmaAcademy for travel advisors selling groups.
SVP Sales Alex Pinelo told TRO, “During the Covid period, there was a lot of uncertainty about when travel would resume and what restrictions might apply when it did. Travel advisors had a difficult time promoting new groups because of that uncertainty. With all that behind us now, we are very happy to see the strong return of new group requests coming into our Group Department. There are many smaller groups still wanting to travel within 2023 but most larger group requests are for 2024 and there is a big demand for us to open up our 2025 reservations to groups and part-charters.”
Noting “an unprecedented demand for our innovative group offers,” AmaWaterways co-founder Kristin Karst on Tuesday said the company is extending its Tour Conductor (TC) credit promotion to include group contracts on select 2023 and 2024 Europe and Mekong River cruises.
Advisors booking groups of 10 or more can continue to earn unlimited Tour Conductor (TC) credit on river cruises, airfare, and pre- and post-cruise land packages booked through March 31.
Travel advisors can earn one TC credit for each of the three segments of the first nine full-paying guests, and apply them to the tenth guest or group leader, Karst noted. Or they can spread the value of the TC as a discount across the group, or keep it as additional commission. TC credits earned from airfare and land packages will be awarded after the group is paid in full, no less than 90 days prior to departure.
Many departure dates also offer Enhanced Group Benefits that include larger savings, a choice of onboard amenities or a guaranteed FAM rate for travel advisors who accompany their group.
AmaWaterways also has launched a new module on its interactive AmaAcademy education platform entitled “Group Business with AmaWaterways.” The course covers product information, group policies and incentives, enhanced earning potential, the simple quoting and booking process and the new Tour Conductor Credit promotion.
Graduates who make a new reservation within 90 days of completing the course will receive a $50 gift card. Advisors who attend AmaAcademy for the first time, complete three courses and make three reservations within 90 days will earn a $150 gift card.
Travel advisors can register on the Travel Advisor Portal on AmaWaterways.com
Ama SVP of sales Alex Pinelo said more than 15,000 travel advisors have completed Course 1, which qualifies them for reduced FAM rates.
AmaWaterways’ 2024 itineraries include the new AmaLilia, starting March 4 on the Nile; the AmaMagna on the Danube and AmaLucia on the Rhine starting February 11, and the December festive season of AmaDouro in Portugal.
Travel advisors should contact their business development manager or AmaWaterways’ Group Sales Department to start earning additional TC credits on groups of 10 or more.
