Cruising has today made a huge splash into the conference industry, with P&O Cruises formally launching a new division focused on business events.
Dubbed P&O Conferences, the new unit is aimed at facilitating big growth targets in corporate bookings set by the line.
The launch took place at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) which got underway in Melbourne today.
P&O Cruises director of sales, Ryan Taibel (pictured above with senior sales manager Rebecca Mutanen at AIME), told CW a key factor had been the addition of Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria to the fleet later this year, with both ships boasting dedicated meeting space for around 200 delegates.
The P&O program has been revamped to incorporate many more short “SeaBreak” departures which are ideal for meetings and conferences.
“Forty per cent of our cruises sail for 2-5 nights – perfect for corporate meetings…this creates a unique opportunity for us.”
P&O Conferences has set itself a target of welcoming 12,000 meeting delegates next year, with average sizes of 100-200 pax per conference “the prime target”.
Today’s launch came with the debut of a dedicated new P&O Conferences brochure, with packages including cocktail, beverage and internet options.
Like for leisure travellers, all packages would include all meals onboard as well as audio visual requirements, accommodation and out-of-session entertainment.
Professional conference organisers also stand to benefit, Mutanen said, with cash savings available as per P&O’s existing groups policy, and onboard credit per person available on cruises of seven nights duration or longer.
“Every organiser wants to do something different with their budget and cruises are a great option which delivers a real ‘wow’ factor,” Mutanen added.
A video was also released showcasing the new offering – see new.cruiseweekly.com.au/videos.
