| Chimu positivity

CHIMU Adventures has reported a strong 2020 fourth quarter, with an increase in Antarctica sales, and a 320% year-on-year jump in the last month of the year.

The company’s local Southern Lights by Flight product also provided the operator a boost, with the flights to nowhere not subject to state border closures.

Chimu co-founder Chad Carey said the fourth quarter saw a move from “survival” to higher sales year-on-year for Ocean Endeavour (pictured).

“The recent announcement by the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt fast-tracking the beginning of Australian COVID-19 vaccinations and advising that he expects all Australians will be vaccinated by the end of Oct 2021 means that many consumers are now starting to consider international travel bookings beyond that date.

“Clients who are more sceptical about the time frames around international borders are also booking, albeit for the 2022/2023 season, which is already on sale.”

The majority of the increase was due to strong demand from the North America market, but Reservations Manager Keiron Tebbutt said there had been increased demand within Australia too.

“We have had an unexpected surge in demand during Dec from both Australia and abroad, with two particular bookings in Aus totalling in excess of $180,000,” he said.

As a result of the strong end to the year, Chimu has already brought back many of its staff members to full-time hours, with more expected to follow in the next few months.

Chimu recently released its first-ever documentary Calm to Chaos, which details how the cruise line and the travel industry at large has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic (CW 30 Oct 2020).

The 40-minute film shows the unfolding of events from the point of view of the travel industry – to view the documentary, CLICK HERE.