Norwegian Cruise Line predicts the rise of the 'golden gap year'
According to new research, nearly four in ten baby boomers have decided to book life-changing trips
According to new research by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the UK is set to see the rise of the ‘golden gap year,’ with nearly four in ten baby boomers deciding to seize the moment and book a life-changing trip.
According to the research, 37 per cent of older travellers admit they have a new lease of life when it comes to travelling, with nearly a fifth (19 per cent) admitting they’re more likely to travel than five years ago.
One fifth (20 per cent) are planning to throw caution to the wind and go away for a year, while nine months is the preferred trip length. Cruises, city breaks and beach holidays are the favoured trips.
A third of those surveyed said they were constantly adding to their bucket list of destinations to travel to.
The research reveals that the most popular ‘golden gap year’ destinations are a trip to see the northern lights in Iceland (55 per cent); walking through the wild countryside of New Zealand (33 per cent) and eating pasta on the Amalfi coast (31 per cent).
Eamonn Ferrin, vice president of international business at NCL said: “While globetrotting has long been associated with the young and carefree, our research suggests more baby boomers are travelling than ever before.
“While ‘golden gap year’ travel is becoming a trend – at NCL we’ve seen a surge in all generations prioritising travel, taking more frequent trips to long-haul destinations.
“No matter your age, travel has no limit. Cruising is a unique, comfortable and inspiring way to explore the world, enabling travellers to easily visit multiple destinations in a single trip.”
Azamara announces new team structure to bolster market growth
David Duff will focus on developing the UK market
Azamara has announced a new UK and EMEA team structure, to bolster market growth and generate greater confidence among trade partners.
The team will be led by former international commercial director David Duff in a new role as managing director, UK. In his new position, David will focus his efforts on developing the UK market, driving growth and providing visible market leadership.
These changes are a result of Azamara’s plans to increase in-market presence and sales function around the world, as the line prioritises global growth. It has doubled the number of shoreside employees in key markets including the US, the Nordics, Germany and Australia.
“By introducing new team structures, such as that in the UK, and with a surge of new hires around the world, we are offering more support to trade partners globally and driving forward our international growth,” said Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara.
Duff added: “The UK proves to be a leading market for us year-on-year, and now with a reinforced sales team, we can expand our reach even further, visit more travel partners and distribute products across more channels.
“We just had our best year on record in the UK, and with demand for cruising still strong, we are confident that these changes will set the foundations for further success in 2023 and beyond.”
Additional UK appointments include Lee Surman who will step into a new role as head of partnerships and trading; Stuart Pearce as head of sales; Nikki Singleton will take on a greater focus on the top strategic accounts; and Lori Scannella returns to deliver UK and EMEA support as sales support manager.