Travel Counsellors agent credits Cunard fam for 120% sales hike

A Travel Counsellors agent has more than doubled her Cunard sales after attending a fam trip on one of the line’s ships.

Cruise specialist Emma Otter entered a draw to win a place on a transatlantic sailing on Queen Mary 2 in July 2023, and secured spots for herself and colleague Gemma Favager.

Otter, who began her career as a high street agent with Lunn Poly in 1992, had not previously sailed with Cunard but had booked about £38,000 worth of sailings for the line in the year prior to her trip.

But since the educational her sales for the line have surged by almost 120% in just the past seven months, with bookings totalling £83,500.

“When I saw the fam trip come up, I knew it was the perfect, bucket‑list itinerary and I jumped at the chance to go on it,” said Otter.

“It gave me so much insight into the brand and has completely transformed my bookings.

“I never used to suggest Cunard as an option to my customers as I hadn’t sailed with the brand. I wasn’t confident it would be the right fit as I had preconceptions about the line.

“It gave me so much insight into the brand and has completely transformed my bookings.

“However, since the sailing I now recommend it to so many more people as I know they would love it. I am so good at myth-busting for any customers who have the same preconceived ideas I used to.”

As a result of her increased sales, Otter has earned enough Shine Rewards Club points to pay for one‑third of a family sailing from New York to Southampton, which she will use to celebrate her 50th birthday.

Otter, her husband and two children have booked to sail on a seven‑night Dance the Atlantic cruise in August next year.

“It is a dream come true to be able to take the family away,” she said.

“It will also be a great way to show my customers that Cunard is a wonderful fit for families – another myth busted!”

Angus Struthers, Cunard vice‑president of global marketing and sales for the EMEA region, said: “Congratulations to Emma for booking her voyage and thanks to her for her brilliant performance on Shine Rewards Club.

“We cannot wait to welcome her on board in 2025 and help her celebrate her birthday in style.”