Agents achieve NCL’s Walk for Wellness target in two weeks

Norwegian Cruise Line has hailed the success of its inaugural UK Walk for Wellness scheme, after agents successfully met its month-long walking target in just two weeks.

The line set the trade a challenge of collectively walking 40,000 miles in the month of May to encourage agents to spend time outside and raise awareness of mental health challenges.

NCL said it expected 750 agents would sign up, but more than 1,200 agents have taken on the challenge and they surpassed the target on May 16.

More: Travel Counsellors agents urged to ‘put mental health before business’

As a result, the line will donate £10,000 to Abta LifeLine and £5,000 to the ITAA Benevolent Fund.

Despite reaching the goal, NCL is encouraging agents to keep walking to continue supporting their mental health and to earn prizes.

Initially the line planned to give away four cruises for two on new ship Norwegian Aqua in spring 2025, but it has now increased that number to eight to incentivise agents. It will also continue giving away weekly prizes in May.

Gary Anslow, vice-president of the UK and Ireland at NCL, said: “We are delighted by the overwhelming response to the Walk for Wellness campaign.

“We’re thrilled that we’ve achieved what we set out to do, which was to get everyone walking, increase awareness of the importance of the link between mental health and fitness and to raise money for two charities who directly benefit those working in our beloved travel industry.

“While we’ve reached our ultimate goal, there are still mini challenges for the remainder of the month. We have added four extra cruises on Norwegian Aqua as prizes as well as NCL merchandise and wellbeing vouchers, so keep walking.”