Explora Journeys has launched the "Journey Together Gatherings" group travel program, designed to meet the needs of large families or groups of friends. This new offering joins the existing group programs, "Journey Together" and "Journey Together+".
Advantages of the Journey Together Gatherings Program:
Explora Journeys suites have been designed with spacious living areas to become true “homes at sea.” With the Journey Together Gatherings program, by booking a minimum of three and a maximum of four suites (one of which must be a Penthouse or Ocean Residence), groups can use this space as a social hub to gather in a private setting. Furthermore, for those traveling with children, one child under 18 in each suite will travel free. Groups booking through the Journey Together Gatherings program will also enjoy complimentary transfers to the ship for all cruisers. Travel agencies that book for groups will receive higher commissions from Explora Journeys.
Cindi Occhuizzo, New Head of Journey Together Programs, Charters, and Incentive Groups.
Coinciding with the launch of this new program, Explora Journeys has announced the appointment of Cindi Occhuizzo as Charter and Journey Together Lead. Occhuizzo brings to Explora Journeys her extensive experience in the global travel and hospitality sector. She has a 30-year track record in the luxury travel industry, during which she has worked for prestigious brands such as Kuoni, Disney Cruise Line, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Throughout these years, she has developed strong relationships with event and corporate meeting organizers, as well as incentive companies worldwide, and has accumulated vast knowledge in this field. Cindi Occhuizzo will be supported by Vilma Moutsatsos, recently appointed Journey Together and Charter Operations Expert, with more than 24 years of experience in these roles, as well as a deep understanding of managing the more intricate aspects of luxury group travel and other large-scale events.
Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer of Explora Journeys, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Cindi and Vilma to our global charter and incentive team, as I know they will be valuable assets to us in this important market. As we roll out our Journey Together programs for luxury travelers, they will focus particularly on the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions market. We have had invaluable input from travel agencies in designing our Journey Together Gatherings program. We are proud to launch this new program specifically aimed at groups of friends and family trips.”.
Advantageous commercial terms for agencies.
Explora Journeys' commercial terms include the industry's first dynamic commission program. Furthermore, commissions are paid upon receipt of the booking deposit, with no non-commissionable fees (NCF), and include cancellation fees.
Journey Together and Journey Together+:
The program will allow travel agencies to manage bookings for small groups and large families. It will be available for groups of five suites and a minimum of 10 cruise passengers. The Journey Together+ program is available for groups of 10 suites and 20 cruise passengers.
Travel agencies and yacht charter operators can also submit requests to charter entire vessels for corporate meetings and group incentive programs. Charter prices depend on the length of the customized trip and the time of year.
