| HAL opens Australia sales office

Holland America Line’s local
independent team is aiming
to simplify the booking
process for agents.
TO STRENGTHEN ITS FOCUS ON THE INCREASINGLY
competitive Australian market, HAL has
officially opened for business in its new space
in the North Sydney offices of Carnival Australia.
Headed by director of sales Tony Archbold,
the sales, marketing and reservations team,
which also includes business development
managers, will provide direct contact with
agents and administrative support.
The new office will enable agents to make
bookings directly with HAL, either
electronically through POLAR Online or
through the Sydney-based reservations office,
and to use the company’s online image
library and sales and training tools within its
Travel Agent Headquarters
(www.travelagentheadquarters.com).
In further steps to ease the booking
process, the line will now accept credit cards,
and office hours have been extended to
8.30am-7pm on weekdays (8pm on
Thursday) and 9am-5pm Saturday.
“The Australian cruise market continues to
grow at a tremendous pace, and opening a
dedicated office was a natural step that
demonstrates our long-term commitment to
this market,” said Richard Meadows, evp,
marketing, sales and guest programs.
“Holland America Line is receiving
fantastic support from Australian travel
sellers, and this shows that we’re here to
provide full service that reflects the high
standards we are known for.”
After a further three weeks of transition,
Travel The World will cease to be the GSA for
HAL in Australia, effective from 01 Sep.
Bookings made prior to 01 Sep should be
made through TTW.
The 2011-12 season marks the first time
the line will have two ships, Volendam and
Zaandam, sailing a series of itineraries in the
region simultaneously.
In 2012-13 the 1,926-passenger Vistaclass
Oosterdam will take over from
Zaandam, boosting HAL’s local capacity by
almost 25 percent.
For information call 1300 987 321 or see
www.hollandamerica.com.au.