Tourico Holidays today announced a 37 percent increase in 2016 cruise bookings compared to 2015 – with an 8 percent increase in average transaction size. Tourico claims it is the world’s fastest growing wholesale travel brokerage company,

The major growth in the wholesaler’s cruise sector was driven primarily by outbound bookings from the United States, which increased by 49 percent year-over-year. Canada increased its year-over-year cruise bookings by 12 percent and the UK increased its bookings by 10 percent. Latin America, as a whole, increased its year-over-year cruise bookings by 21 percent in 2016, according to a statement.

“Through our global distribution network, industry-leading XML technology, and dedicated support team, we’ve been able to consistently increase our bookings and bottom line with cruise line partners,” said Lori Sheller, Vice President of Cruise Development for Tourico Holidays. “Carrying the momentum into the New Year, we’re forecasting an even stronger 2017 for Tourico’s cruise sector.”

January 2017 was a record setting month for Tourico Holidays with cruise bookings increasing by 38 percent compared to January 2016. The wholesaler has also just announced a new partnership with Regent.

Tourico Holidays’ cruise business includes 16 cruise lines and more than 10,000 different cruise departures throughout the world – including in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, Mexico, South America, Asia & Australia

“We’re predicting more cruisers will hit the seas in 2017 than any previous year on the books,” said Sheller. “The upward trend in cruising will also be aided by an influx of bookings from China – as cruise companies shift their focus to the Asian market.”