International river cruise company Avalon Waterways has announced its entry into the Irish market, by way of selling its global itineraries here.
The company said it has responded to increased Irish demand and interest in river cruising by launching a new partnership with ASM Ireland to start selling its award-winning Suite Ships, iconic itineraries and authentic experiences across the world to the Irish Market exclusively through travel agents.
Lesley Taylor, UK and Ireland MD of Avalon Waterways said: “Ireland has asked, and we have delivered! Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in booking enquiries from Irish consumers, so we have made the decision to invest in the market for the first time. Our travel trade partners are extremely important to us, and so in Ireland we will be selling via travel agents only and are extremely happy to be working with Alan Sparling and his team at ASM to provide them with everything they need to sell our river cruises and make that all important commission.”
Managing Director of ASM Ireland, Alan Sparling said: “We are very excited to be working with Avalon Waterways and its portfolio of outstanding ships and itineraries. We have seen a continued increase in interest for river cruising in the Irish market over the last few years, so now is the perfect time for Avalon Waterways to partner with us and at the same time for our agent partners to take advantage of the demand.”
Phil Shipman, UK and Ireland Trade Director for Avalon Waterways added: “Having previously worked with agents in this market I know how important Irish travel agents are to their customers and Alan’s track record and established relationships will ensure Avalon Waterways is front and centre with the travel trade. It’s an exciting time and we are all excited to start showcasing our trusted and much-loved brand to both agents and their customers alike.”
To celebrate the launch of its investment in the Irish Travel Trade, Avalon Waterways is giving agents the chance to win a fam trip aboard Avalon Waterways in 2025. All agents who make a booking between now and the end of February will be automatically entered into the draw to win one of the fam trip places.
Avalon is renowned for great customer service and for the views offered onboard. No other fleet of river cruise ships feature award-winning Avalon Panorama SuitesSM which are thirty percent larger than the industry standard and offer river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony allowing guests to savour the sights and sounds as they cruise through their chosen destination. Avalon cabins are set up so the beds are facing outwards meaning guests can enjoy the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows day and night and wake up to a new view every morning.
Avalon Waterways was recently awarded the ServiceMark accreditation with distinction for great customer service by the Institute of Customer Service, in a first for the British travel industry.
Avalon Waterways’ River cruises feature many inclusions as standard, including full-board dining, complimentary regional wine or beer at mealtimes, as well as soft drinks, a ‘happy hour’ every day, which includes complimentary drinks, plus included excursions and gratuities. On-board dining options include the main dining rooms which offer four course chef designed sit-down meals but with flexible mealtimes; a more informal dining room for snacks and light bites, plus the Sky Grill, located at top of the ship which is a fantastic setting for outdoor barbecues.
