| Mantra maximises cruise pax program

Mantra Group is focusing
extra resources on the cruise
sector with land packages for
passengers staying in Australian
cities.
As THE only hotel and resort group to be
a national member of Cruise Down Under,
Mantra Group has seen a rapid uptake of its
cruise program since it was implemented in
Mar this year.
In the past six months, more than 3,000 room
nights have been generated from Carnival,
P&O, Holland America, Seabourn, Inchcape,
Intercruise and Lindblad Expeditions-National
Geographic with a global mix of passenger
clients from the UK, USA, Canada, Germany,
France and Spain.
Judd Rabbidge, Mantra’s dedicated
business development manager for the
cruise sector, said the program involves 50
of Mantra, Peppers and BreakFree coastal
properties providing itineraries, day trips and
accommodation packages for clients looking to
explore beyond the ship’s docking point.
“Australia’s busiest summer cruise season
is about to start with around 600 port visits
scheduled to our shores resulting in a growing
need for pre and post accommodation options
for cruise passengers and crew.”
In the Hunter Valley for example, Peppers
Guest House provides lunch and a pop-up
cellar door, while in Darwin, Mantra on the
Esplanade has partnered with traditional
land owners, the Larrakia Nation, to set up
a complimentary lounge that showcases
traditional jewellery making, art and music.
Jill Abel, CDU gm, said: “There is enormous
potential with this sector and through
proactive initiatives, Mantra Group are at
the forefront of providing value-add and
accommodation options which is a welcome
addition to the cruise experience for guests
and crew.”
Mantra Group is also looking to expand its
cruise offering to New Zealand in 2014.