Travel Agent - November 12, 2007 - (Page 74)

THE INDUSTRY SUPPLIER PROFILE Countdown Begins for Viking River cruise line launches land-only operation BY MARK ROGERS SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES LISTEN to their clients, and that’s what Viking River Cruises (www.vikingrivers.com) has done. “Our river cruising customers were the ones who inspired us to create Viking Tours,” says Ted Sykes, president of the new tour line. “Their feedback said it was a product they were looking for.” The company’s first land-based itineraries launch in January to India, Southeast Asia, Egypt, South Africa, South America including the Galapagos, Scandinavia, Antarctica and the South Pacific. Sykes notes that the company Travelers on the land portion of a Viking River Cruises trip in China Viking Tours Headquarters: 5700 Canoga Ave., Suite 200, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Phone: 877-845-8687, 818-227-1234 Fax: 818-227-5989 E-mail: sales@vikingrivercruises.com Web site: www.vikingtours.com carefully selected an initial list of destinations that it knew would excite its market. Each tour was then planned to ensure the proper pacing and the highest level of comfort and quality. The inaugural programs entail the 13-day “Wonders of Majestic India,” the 14-day “Road to Mandalay,” the 14-day “Pathways of the Pharaohs,” the 13-day “Grand East African Safari,” the 16-day “Southern Africa Serenade,” the 10-day “Pristine Galapagos,” the 15-day “South American Highlights,” the 11-day “Antarctica—the Mythical White Continent,” the 12-day “Explorations on the Viking Coast” and the 18-day “Down Under Discovery.” “By 2009 we’ll have 20 destinations on six continents,” says Sykes. “We realize there’s a need to add destinations in Europe.” Sykes notes that Viking already offered cruise packages that contain a substantial land component, such as Yangtze River itineraries in China that include Beijing, Shanghai and 74 | TravelAgent November 12, 2007 Xian. “We have the relationships in place with hotels and land operators from our experience selling river cruises,” says Sykes. “This will allow the company to quickly grow its selection of land tours.” Viking Tours describes its products as “deluxe,” rather than “luxury,” although featured accommodations have five-star ratings, including the Shangri-La in Bangkok, the Serengeti Serena Lodge in Tanzania, the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe, the Observatory Hotel in Sydney and the Taj Lake Palace and Jai Mahal Palace in India. Sykes sees Viking Tours filling a need for land tours in the $4,000-to$7,000 price range (per person). “Tauck and A&K are above 7,000, and the field is crowded below five,” he says. Viking’s all-inclusive pricing for its land tours covers meals, guided tours, excursions and entry fees. The company has a Travel Protection Program that safeguards passengers’ travel investment, with a waiver of pre-existing conditions, trip interruption coverage up to trip cost and “cancel for any reason” coverage. Bookings are strong into 2008. Sykes says they break down into 50 percent river cruise alumni and 50 percent new customers. “Much of this new business was brought to us by travel agents,” he says. The company has launched a web site (www. vikingtours.com), which provides day-byday details of tours and pre- and post-trip extensions as well as information on upcoming departures and availability, and makes it simple to request materials or get in touch with the company for more info or to make a reservation. I CONNECTING YOU For more information about these new land packages, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/viking http://www.vikingrivers.com http://www.vikingtours.com http://www.vikingtours.com http://www.vikingtours.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/viking

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - November 12, 2007

Travel Agent - November 12, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: Berlin Has a Vibrant Arts Scene Central & South America: Iberostar Grand Amazon: Adventure, but with Upscale Cruise Comforts Culinary Tours in Argentina and Peru Belize Eco-Lodge Packages Pacific/Asia: Bali Awaits Discovery by U.S. Tourists Las Vegas: Three Days in Vegas for Baby Boomers Caribbean & Bahamas: CTO’s Chairman Sees Growth in the Market Dominica’s New Tourism Director Discusses Challenges and Opportunities for His Island St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Where Less is More St. Maarten as a Destination for Foodies Tours: Sunshine and Disney are Just Two of Florida’s Options Cruises: Theme Cruises Generate Demand and Revenue Oceania’s Sales and Fleet are Growing Cruise Deals Cover Story: The New Wave Supplier Profile: Viking River Cruises Launches Land-Only Tour Operation Air Lift: Sabre Takes UpSell to the Skies A Tough Season Ahead: Rising Rates and Demand Give Hotels Edge in Price Negotiating Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Caribbean Tourism Conference Cruise and Hotel News Trends In U.S. Travel to France Disneyland Upgrade Travel Week In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - November 12, 2007

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