A new policy from Trafalgar points to a positive trend for Europe travel.
The company just announced that its demand for Europe tours is strong enough that it will guarantee 100 percent of its 2017 Europe & Britain departures, as well as its departures to Asia. The company is selling a total of 109 guided vacations this summer in Europe and Britain, along with 17 different trips across Asia.
“Crucial to our brand success is the confidence that our partners continue to place in us, so for that, we extend our sincere thanks and wish them all the best for an unprecedented selling season in 2017,” said Trafalgar President Paul Wiseman in a written release.
The new policy is the latest sign of strong fundamental demand for travel to Europe. In a just-released portion of its 2017 Travel Trends Survey, Travel Leaders Group reported that 84.5 percent of its cruise-selling agents say that Mediterranean cruise bookings are higher than or same as the year before (39.8 percent said “Higher,” while 44.7 percent said “They’re even).” Europe river cruise bookings were also strong, with 78.2 percent of respondents saying they were the same as or higher than the same time last year (34.3 percent “Higher” and 43.9 percent “They’re even”). Overall, Europe river cruises were the fourth-most popular type of cruise itinerary, followed by Mediterranean cruises at #5 and Baltic cruises at #10.
On land, Europe is popular with Travel Leaders Group’s luxury clients as well. In an earlier survey Europe river cruises ranked as the top luxury destination outside North America, with Italy at #2, Mediterranean cruises at #3, France at #5, England at #6, Baltic cruises at #7, Ireland at #8 and Iceland tied for #13.
Trafalgar is also offering additional incentives for travel agents, including an Early Payment Discount of 5 percent that’s valid until April 27, which is combinable with Past Guest discounts of another 5 percent, as well as an extra $400 per couple off all flights to Europe.
All of Trafalgar’s 2017 summer Europe & Britain and Asia vacations are confirmed to depart outside of events beyond the company’s control. The guarantee is not applicable to CostSaver or Trafalgar’s Autumn, Winter and Spring and select Tailored Vacation departures, and subject to availability.
Visit www.trafalgar.com