Global expedition cruise operator Hurtigruten has reported strong bookings for travel in late 2021 and into 2022. It comes despite recent negative remarks by Australia’s Health Department boss Brendan Murphy who has suggested Australia’s border will remain closed until 2022.
According to Damian Perry, Hurtigruten Asia Pacific Managing Director, government messaging needs to be better considered.
“We do see the repercussions of the poorly timed, unclear and inconsistent communication from policymakers and senior politicians and health advisors,” Perry said.
“The rhetoric and tone of the messages continue to sew doubt into travellers’ minds and will continue to drive a nail into the coffin of both local domestic and international tour operators, wholesalers and retailers, because of political motivations.
“The messaging is not considering the personal wellbeing of travellers who need to move for business, family or leisure reasons. Nor is it reflecting the economic importance of tourism, which was a $152 billion industry in 2019 according to DFAT, a key driver of Australia’s economy that employed around 1 in 19 Australians.
A strong base of resilient travellers who seek to achieve their ‘bucket list’ journey are viewing the White Continent as hot property. Nearly 80 per cent of bookings in the last quarter of 2020 were going to Antarctica, fuelled by an ‘All-Inclusive’ marketing campaign.
Svalbard, in the Norwegian Arctic, has also proven popular with Aussies.
“These bookings are significant as they have originated from new clientele and new bookings – not re-bookings,” Perry said.
“As we’re consolidating a number of years of clients under strict COVID-normal protocols at capped capacity, travellers will miss out if they don’t plan early.
Australians are still waiting to witness the full impact of COVID-19 vaccinations currently being rolled out globally.
“Strong end-of-year bookings in 2020 – that exceed those of the previous year – suggest travellers are buoyed with optimism that they’ll be able to travel again in the near future,” Perry said.
Hurtigruten’s ‘Book with Confidence’ guarantee, which offers travellers a full refund within 14 days if they cancel for any reason, was a contributing factor in why consumers were prepared to book ahead, he said.
“We believe the current popularity of Hurtigruten expedition cruises is because our experiences are an alternative to mass tourism and have a strong focus on history, culture and outdoor activities; recent studies indicate remote travel is proving highly popular with Australian and New Zealand travellers.”
New Year Global Expedition Sale
To capitalise on consumer sentiment, this month Hurtigruten rolled out its New Year Global Expedition Sale, which offers a further $1,500 off per cabin on already released Early Bird prices on select 2021, 2022 and 2023 expeditions in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Northwest Passage, Norway, Svalbard, British Isles and the Americas.
Returning as part of the sale is Hurtigruten’s ‘Antarctica All-Inclusive’ deal, which bundles cabins with international flights as well as transfers and pre and post accommodation.
The pre-Christmas offer experienced unprecedented demand, resulting in the company including the packages in its New Year Global Expedition Sale.
Perry says the offer makes Antarctica more accessible than ever before.
“This is the greatest offer we have released to date and in reality represents extraordinary value delivering a premium-luxe product at entry level prices. Those who desire Antarctica and would have considered an entry level product with an old basic ship can now get a premium Scandic experience. I think travellers deserve this option considering the journey we have been on,” Perry said.
“We hope the Australian Government’s vaccine plan delivers for the Australian public and regains some normality of life by vaccinating all who want to be vaccinated by October. This is expected to go a long way to reboot the travel, arts, and entertainment industries.”
Lead image: Orne Harbour, Antarctica | credit: Ingemund Skålnes
