By
Rebecca Gibson |
French cruise operator Compagnie du Ponant has experienced 50% growth in the number of bookings taken between January and May 2014, compared to the same period last year.
The record growth, which was accelerated by more than 2,200 passengers being booked in May alone, can be attributed to the fact that sales for 2015 cruises were launched in mid-April 2014, six months ahead of the traditional calendar.
In addition, the line has introduced an expanded portfolio of cruise destinations – including Alaska, Asia, South America, North Europe and Oceania – prompted by the launch of a fifth ship Le Lyrial in spring 2015.
“Compagnie du Ponant has achieved excellent results for the first half of 2014 thanks to all the investments made over the last two years and deployment of a forward bookings strategy,” said Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, Compagnie du Ponant’s CEO. “The figures underpin the performance of our business model after 25 years of hard work.”
Last year, the operator handled 20,000 passengers and generated €100 million in revenue after debuting its fourth yacht Le Soleal. The company also consolidated its onshore teams and call centre to meet the needs and expectations of travel agents, as well as expanding its sales department. It also doubled staff numbers in the reservations department to enable different employees to focus on particular regions and types of cruises, and boosted numbers in its marketing team.
“We have launched numerous projects over the last few months that are now bearing fruit in 2014, including a more aggressive fares policy, digital media strategy, systems revamp, investments in our relationship with travel agencies,” said Hervé Bellaïche, sales and marketing director of Compagnie du Ponant.