Hurtigruten have expanded their commitment in Australia & New Zealand with a consolidated marketing and distribution strategy appointing Bentours as the GSA (General Sales Agent) and Preferred Travel Partner for the Australian and New Zealand market from September 06 2016.
Hurtigruten are the global leader in adventure and active explorer trips in Norwegian, Arctic and Polar waters and offer the most in depth range of cultural adventures and onshore excursions along the Norwegian coast. In addition, global expansion plans continue to spread across key expedition cruise regions of Antarctica, South America, Canadian High Arctic, Spitsbergen and Iceland.
Hurtigruten recognise the need for a concentrated brand, expertise and product development strategy to services Australia and New Zealand. Cyril Bricaud, VP Sales & Marketing says “The goal of the new partnership with Bentours is to facilitate the rapid expansion of the expedition cruising and coastal voyages product. The partnership will leverage the Bentours operating model, sales & marketing team and industry relationships across the region.”
Damian Perry, CEO of Bentours says; “the Hurtigruten and Bentours brands are 100% complementary which make it easy for the travel agent to sell. We deliver a complete solution for the traveller and our partners. Bentours have been a key partner of Hurtigruten for many years and this next step will cement this great partnership and initiate local industry support strategies.”
The new commitment requires Bentours to be fully responsible for the brand voice, PR, distribution partnerships across the industry and marketing of Hurtigruten. To deliver the best possible result Bentours have developed a dedicated Hurtigruten team embedded within the business to sell, support and market Hurtigruten across all of the industry. This support includes an expansion in the opportunities for educational travel and industry support across wholesale, retailers and OTAs. The responsibility includes supporting and growing the network and partnerships of existing and new specialist operators and retailers.
Perry, says, “We are thrilled that we can partner with this exceptional market leading business, brand and product. Hurtigruten offers the quintessential Nordic and Expedition Cruising experience. The range on offer is second to none and can be purchased as stand-alone travel experiences and cruises or embedded with land product for independent and group travel”.
Hurtigruten wish to acknowledge the great work of Discover the World (DTW) as the previous GSA who have passionately represented the Hurtigruten brand to date. DTW have been exceptionally professional and successful in their role. The start date is 06 September for all new bookings. All existing travel bookings will continue as normal while new bookings from the 6th of September will be booked and managed via the new Hurtigruten team at Bentours.
Any questions regarding the GSA relationship and representation can be directed to Ryan Bennett – Brand Leader – Bentours & Hurtigruten – 0411 565 040 or to Damian Perry as CEO – 0410 220 762.
SOURCE: Bentours & Hurtigruten