Avalon targets France for river cruise growth

Avalon targets France for river cruise growth
By admin


River cruising will achieve double digit growth for each of the next five years, Globus managing director Stewart Williams has forecast, as Avalon Waterways reported an 11% lift in bookings for 2015.

Speaking at the launch of Avalon’s 2015 ‘world collection’ program, Williams said it remains the fastest growing  sector of the wider cruise market, with 50,000 Australians expected to take a river cruise this year.

Avalon itself experienced a record year in 2013 but that will be eclipsed this year where only 6% of its capacity remains unsold, he said.

“The river cruising product across the board is of a very high calibre,” Williams told media in Sydney last night. “I predict the market will see double digit growth for the next five years. And I sincerely believe that.”

France will be a major focus for Avalon next year, with the operator doubling its presence to four ships. Two of its newest vessels, Avalon Poetry II and Avalon Tapestry II, will join Avalon Scenery and Avalon Creativity in plying the Rhone and Seine rivers. It will be the first time Avalon has operated one its suite ships in France.

Among the new itineraries is a 16-day Rhine and Rhone Revealed cruise, priced from $8290.

The brand will also offer product in Burma for the first time with the launch of the 36-cabin Avalon Myanmar which will cruise the upper Irrawaddy. Prices start from $7501 for a 14-night cruise.

Early booking offers include savings of $1000 per couple on Poetry II and Tapestry II France sailings.

Meanwhile, Avalon last night introduced Deborah Hutton as it new brand ambassador. She is pictured below with Avalon marketing manager Australasia Christian Schweitzer, left, and Stewart Williams

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