Avalon Waterways invests in Irish travel trade for first time

Avalon Waterways will start selling its itineraries exclusively through agents in the Irish market following a partnership with general sales agent (GSA) ASM Ireland.

To commemorate the launch, the river cruise line is offering agents the chance to win a fam trip on board one of its ships in 2025.

All agents that confirm a booking between now and the end of February 2025 will be automatically entered into the draw for a place on the trip.

Lesley Taylor, Avalon Waterways UK and Ireland managing director, said: “Ireland has asked, and we have delivered. Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in booking enquiries from Irish consumers, so we have made the decision to invest in the market for the first time.

“Our travel trade partners are extremely important to us, and so in Ireland we will be selling via travel agents only and are extremely happy to be working with Alan Sparling and his team at ASM to provide them with everything they need to sell our river cruises and make that all important commission.”

Alan Sparling, ASM Ireland managing director, added: “We are very excited to be working with Avalon Waterways and its portfolio of outstanding ships and itineraries.

“We have seen a continued increase in interest for river cruising in the Irish market over the last few years, so now is the perfect time for Avalon Waterways to partner with us and at the same time for our agent partners to take advantage of the demand.”