SEATTLE — HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is rolling out a suite of initiatives to celebrate travel advisors as the industry looks ahead to Travel Agent Day (May 1).
Sheralyn Berry, General Manager for HX in the Americas, says the initiatives are designed to empower HX’s trade partners, and equip them with tools and resources to excel in the expedition cruising sector, while showcasing HX’s leadership in this space.
“We’re thrilled to unveil these new initiatives for our esteemed members of the trade as we approach Travel Advisor Appreciation Day. At HX, we deeply value the tireless efforts and dedication of our partners, and we’re committed to providing support to help them succeed,” said Berry.
Here’s a look at what’s on offer …
Travel Advisor Appreciation Antarctica Giveaway
May 1-31, 2024
In celebration of Travel Advisor Day on May 1, 2024, HX is announcing its Antarctica Giveaway, running throughout the month of May. Travel advisors are invited to participate by joining the new HX Travel Partners, Americas Facebook page – a private group tailored for travel advisors – and registering with HX’s agent portal voyage for a chance to embark on an expedition experience in Antarctica. For every Antarctica cabin booked in May, agents will receive an additional three entries.
“We deeply appreciate the dedication of our travel advisor partners,” said Berry. “This giveaway is our way of expressing gratitude for their invaluable contributions to our brand’s growth in the Americas.”
HX’s 12 to 24-day Antarctica itineraries offer active exploration with a focus on science, education, and sustainability, and include sailings on the world’s first hybrid battery-powered cruise ships. HX provides all-inclusive adventure, providing everything from daily excursions, talks, and access to the Science Center, to food, drinks, WiFi and more.
To enter, agents must join the HX Travel Partners, Americas Facebook page and sign up for HXs agent portal voyage by May 31, 2024. Existing members of the HX Travel Partners Facebook page and agent portal are eligible. For each Antarctica cabin booked by May 31, 2024 (regardless of sailing date), agents will receive an additional three entries. The prize includes cabin accommodations and flights for one agent to join an Antarctica voyage in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
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‘Sell 5, Sail Free’ B2B Incentive
Now through December 31, 2024
Travel advisors booking between April 15 and Dec. 31, 2024, for trips in 2024 and 2025, can earn a complimentary voyage up to 14 days with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, excluding itineraries with Machu Picchu. The offer extends exclusively to the Travel Advisor, with guests in the same cabin paying the advisor rate. Bookings must be made by December 31, 2024, and the incentive voyage must be completed by March 31, 2026, subject to availability and other terms and conditions. More details can be found here.
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Increased Commission: 25% in Antarctica and Galapagos
Now through Aug. 31, 2024
Recognizing the invaluable role of travel advisors, HX is thrilled to announce a commission increase to 25% on all Antarctica bookings, complementing the existing 25% commission on Galapagos bookings. Bookings must be made between April 15 and August 31, 2024, for sailings scheduled from October 2024 to December 31, 2025. Additional details are here.
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New B2B Help Desk
Launching May 6
HX is introducing a dedicated B2B Help Desk operational from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST Monday to Friday. The new phone line will provide personalized support and offline assistance for advisors, enhancing the booking experience for trade partners. Agents can contact the new Help Desk at 1-866-312-6791.
“We’re incredibly excited to launch our dedicated B2B Help Desk. This initiative underscores our dedication to equipping our trade partners with the tools they need to succeed in today’s dynamic travel industry,” said Berry. Berry has been at the forefront of training the dedicated B2B agents, ensuring the Help Desk is equipped to answer the unique and special needs of advisors in the Americas.
HX has also hired Mindy Cummings as the new BDM for the southwest U.S.
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Season 2: HXplore Webinar Series, The Expedition Experience
Launching May 29
After the successful launch of the HXplore webinar series earlier this year, which provided an in-depth exploration of each HX destinations (with two more upcoming episodes: Iceland/Greenland on April 24 and Alaska on May 22), HX has announced a second season focused on the expedition experience itself.
Led by Bob van Beers, Expedition Leader for MS Fridtjof Nansen, these new sessions will provide insights into expedition activities, ship tours, and hybrid electric ships
- Day in The Life of an Expedition (May 29)
- Ship Tour of an Expedition Ship (June 5)
- How our Hybrid Electric Ship Operates (June 12)
- Expedition Activities (June 19)
All sessions are recorded and accessible to agents through HXs Agent Portal. Both seasons of the series equip agents with the knowledge needed to effectively promote the HX product and meet their clients’ needs. To register, contact usagencies@hurtigruten.com.
