Uniworld is finishing the year on a Kiwi high as the brand reflects on spiking Kiwi sales and looks ahead to its 50th celebrations and a new ship in 2026.
The luxury river cruise brand appointed Alka Thappar as its Kiwi bdm in May, and Uniworld managing director Australia New Zealand Alice Ager says ‘the investment is paying off already’. Uniworld has reported a significant growth in Kiwi sales, as it continues to add resources and opportunities for Kiwi consultants. “We are committed to improving brand awareness of Uniworld in NZ over the next few years and Alka is dedicated to working with our agents to mutually grow our sales,” says Ager. “There is space for everyone, and I think we have a product that is so unique and stands out, so I see big things for the New Zealand market.”
. . . Trends
Egypt and the Nile are back on ‘travellers itineraries more than ever’, says Ager adding that a focus on its Ganges cruise in India also help put the itinerary further up the list for Kiwi agents. The cruise line also hosted a number of Kiwi consultants on its Mekong itinerary in Cambodia and Vietnam recently, as it looks to get more agents to experience the product first-hand. The ship, its crew and the itinerary proved a hit with the Kiwi famil. However, Ager notes that the Mekong ship is ‘perpetually full’ and adds that ‘if guests are happy to book a year ahead, I think we’ll see great demand for Mekong cruising, too’. “We might need an additional ship on the Mekong,” she quips.
. . . Mekong TV Clip
Kiwi agents can get an overview of Uniworld’s Mekong itinerary offering aboard the Mekong Jewel via a 30-minute television segment (created from Uniworld’s recent Masterclass on the Mekong cruise) HERE. And for a glimpse of the highlights for the Kiwi agents onboard the famil, see HERE.
. . . Luxury Gold
In the New Year, Ager says Uniworld ‘will spread our wings into the world of small group touring’ as it takes on TTC’s Luxury Gold portfolio. It will offer seven combined cruise and tour options, plus all the Luxury Gold favourite itineraries in places like Japan and Canada, adds Ager.
