LOS ANGELES — Viking Cruises is launching the new Viking Travel Agent Academy, a custom online training program that includes Viking’s videos to provide agents the knowledge and tools they need to increase their sales.

This program provides significant trade support for Viking’s state-of-the-art fleet expansion and increasing popularity, as well as overall consumer demand growth for river cruising. Upon completion of the seven certification courses, agents earn the title ‘Viking Master Cruise Expert’ and have the skills, background and knowledge to develop a successful river cruise marketing plan.

“Through Viking Travel Agent Academy, we provide travel agents with the very latest about the world’s finest river cruise experience,” said Michele Saegesser, Viking’s Vice President of Sales, the Americas. “We also provide agents with the knowledge and tools they need to convert their enthusiasm into the exciting and profitable specialty of selling Viking’s river cruises.”

This October, Viking will introduce ‘Specialist Course 1: A Foundation in River Cruising’.

The four chapter course teaches agents why river cruising is among the most profitable product in the travel industry; what sets Viking apart from the competition; how to increase their profits with Viking’s customizable marketing tools; how to earn more than $1,700 per booking; and what makes Viking’s award-winning, state-of-the-art ships unique.

The launch of the Viking Travel Agent Academy provides some of the most comprehensive sales training in the industry.

For more information, visit vikingrivercruises.com/agents.