Carnival Cruise Lines is launching a new travel agent outreach program, Carnival Conversations, designed to increase dialogue and strengthen ties with travel agents through road show events, agency visits and daily feedback opportunities on GoCCL.com, the company’s travel agent Internet portal.
Beginning July 1, the line will launch a marketing campaign to build awareness for the program and a road show series will kick off in New York City on July 12.
“Many travel agents have expressed that they’re frustrated with changes we’ve made in recent years,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival’s executive vice president of sales and guest services. “Our goal with Carnival Conversations is to do a better job of listening and responding to travel agents regularly so that we’re on top of the issues that matter to them most.”
“Carnival Conversations is our way of showing travel agents that we truly do want to strengthen our relationship with them by opening up our lines of communication,” added Joni Rein, Carnival’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Over the last few months, we already implemented a variety of suggestions they made. Most importantly, we want travel agents to know we appreciate, need and rely on them.”
Travel agents may participate in Carnival Conversations by attending in-person events such as road shows led by the line’s senior sales executives, in-agency seminars, seminars at sea, trade shows and conferences. During these events, Carnival’s sales team will listen to travel agents and provide corresponding solutions and feedback.
In addition, as an added element to the in-person events, Carnival will feature a dedicated Carnival Conversations section on GoCCL.com complete with short daily surveys comprised of open-ended questions. Carnival will then share timely responses to this feedback, letting agents know what they can implement and what will need further review.
There will also be a more detailed quarterly survey. Travel agents may also find Carnival’s expanded road show and webinar schedule on the site.
