| Signature eyeing expedition

SIGNATURE Travel Network has identified the expedition cruise sector as key to the expansion of SIG Cruise Pro (CW 09 Aug), which was recently launched in ANZ, MD Lisa Harrison told CW.

The travel advisor consortia recently launched its new cruise program with 12 lines, with Australian agents able to access perks such as bonus onboard credit, pre-paid gratuities, hotel stays prior to and following a cruise, and much more.

However, the burgeoning expedition sector will be where it targets its growth.

SIG Cruise Pro already includes Silversea and Seabourn Cruise Line in its program, and Harrison said Signature is working to add additional partners.

Speaking on the sidelines of last week’s TravelManagers conference in Cairns, Harrison said Signature’s in-market presence in Australia will allow it to directly service its association with agency partners such as TravelManagers and others.

“My focus is member engagement at the moment…ensuring that, in the case of TravelManagers, all of their PTMS, or as many as possible, are trained and understand the full offering and what they have at their fingertips, the technology and the marketing collateral to be able to promote, benefit and leverage the value that we provide them so they can deliver it to their clients,” Harrison said.

TravelManagers Chief Operating Officer Grant Campbell added: “what attracted us to the Signature program is they’re really about promoting the member, rather than their own brand…it’s not just about increasing that commission, it’s about creating value.” MS