LUXURY cruise is becoming a bigger focus for Signature Travel Network, as it further invests in the sector.
The luxury travel co-op recently launched its SIG Cruise Pro program in the Australian market (CW 09 Aug), offering Signature’s members a range of exclusive benefits with 12 cruise lines.
President & Chief Executive Officer Alex Sharpe, who knows the luxury cruise sector well from his almost 15-year spell with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said Signature’s expansion in the sector is about ensuring it always offers its members as much value as possible.
“These 12 are the easy ones where we can show the most value…[they’re] higher priced, so generally, the value adds they offer to us as a good partner are more rich, and richer than what’s available in this marketplace,” Sharpe told Cruise Weekly.
The Signature head, who is on his first trip to Australia since its establishment in the local market, said his co-op is the largest seller of luxury cruise in the world.
Last year was Signature’s best year ever, said Sharpe (pictured with local MD Lisa Harrison), up 17%, while this year, the business is up another 10%.
“Some of that is increased capacity from the cruise perspective, but a lot of it is our members are just better prepared,” he added.
“They’re more effective and efficient, they’re using technology better, they’re charging fees, they’re efficient through technology, so [I’m} proud about where we are.” MS