Avalon Waterways has welcomed 92 Australian and New Zealand trade aboard a full ship charter on Europe’s Rhine River in March, marking the region’s first ever trade sailing of its kind.
Hosted aboard the Avalon Envision, sailing northbound on the Romantic Rhine itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam between 24 and 31 March, advisors experienced an eight-day training immersion on this landmark sailing, gaining first-hand insight into Avalon’s product while strengthening confidence in selling across the wider Globus family of brands portfolio, including Globus and Cosmos.
Throughout the voyage, advisors attended four structured training sessions spanning seven core topics, plus interactive Q&A opportunities hosted by Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways, alongside members of the Globus family of brands Australasia and Asia Pacific leadership teams. The sessions enabled advisors to explore strategies and products in depth, while the Q&As provided a valuable forum for client-specific questions to be addressed.
Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, shared Avalon’s goals for the charter and what it means to the team.
“Meeting advisors and embracing the trade community we’ve built on board one of our ships was an honour,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “We aimed to provide advisors with an experience beyond the brochure, and an opportunity to learn first-hand what sets Avalon apart, from our industry-leading Panorama Suites to our variety of excursions.”
And the goal was hit for Avalon. “It’s been great to see that advisors have embraced this opportunity to connect and experience what Avalon has to offer.”
The nearly 100-strong group had the chance to embrace the choice Avalon is known for, with options for Active, Discovery, or Classic excursions, including a walking tour around the historic town of Breisach, a cycle through the Black Forest or a brewery tour in Heidelberg.
Advisors onboard were also encouraged to take part in a dedicated social media competition, sharing daily photos using hashtags including #rhineanddine #Amarksthespot and #youresosuite, to then have a chance of being crowned the winning image. The overall winner was announced at the end of the cruise, with Joy Varga – Travel Managers, receiving a $1,000 gift card.
Brett Simon, Head of Commercial Australasia at Globus family of brands, said the charter was a resounding success.
“This year, we’ve held several events that were a first for us, expanding how we reach advisors. The response has been incredibly encouraging, and the Avalon charter is no different. From this historic charter to the February cruise and trade director events, across the board, advisors have valued the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences Avalon and GFOB can provide their clients.”
Simon continued, speaking to the effect the positive reception has had on GFOB’s outlook and strategy.
“We’ll be taking feedback from advisors on why these events were so well received and will be looking to implement them into future plans, embracing what worked to best meet our advisors and their clients.”
