New entrants to ultra-luxury cruise market create ‘incredible potential’, says Seabourn boss
The ultra luxury market is in a “tremendous” period of growth and new entrants to the expedition cruising sector are creating “incredible potential” for all lines, according to president of Seabourn Natalya Leahy.
Speaking on a Travel Weekly webcast, Leahy commended the success the ultra luxury market has experienced since the pandemic.
When asked if Seabourn was concerned new entrants into the ultra luxury market might make it over saturated, Leahy said additional lines pose potential for everyone.
“There is tremendous growth potential in this ultra luxury market,” she said.
“There is no better value way of travelling than on a cruise so the potential is incredibly high.
“I am very excited about new entrants to the market, particularly from companies that are well known in ultra luxury land vacations because I think they will help to communicate the value proposition of cruising to the market of luxury travel.
“New cruise lines helps the grow the market in general and will create incredible growth potential for everyone.”
Leahy, who took on the role of president in March, went on to praise the performance of travel agents and highlighted the value of the trade to Seabourn’s sales.
She emphasised the importance of agents when selling luxury holidays and said she views travel partners as an “extension of our leadership team”.
“In the ultra luxury space we have a very high reliance on our travel partners,” she said. “They are the closest to our guests, they know that the guests are looking for and they know our brand so they are in the best position to communicate it.
“Our guests make decisions generally based on the advice of trusted travel partners or consultants so I’m really focused on investing in close partnerships with our travel community and providing them with the resources, materials and education to really expand our brand awareness among their guests.”