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report
Norwegian sees
major SA growth
SA is a focus market and second worldwide for
incentives bookings, MICE ‘massive’
NORWEGIAN Cruise Line recorded triple digit growth in the
South African market in 2017 and Nick Wilson, Vice President
and Managing Director UK & Ireland, Middle East and Africa,
said the company has forecast similar growth this year “off a
high base”.
The line’s newest ship, the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss,
will debut this month. It will sail to Alaska, the Caribbean
and the Mexican Riviera from June.
Mr. Wilkinson claimed: “Our competition is the land-based
resorts… ‘Norwegian Mauritius’; that’s who our competition is.”
South Africa is the third biggest producer of multi-generational business and second in the world for incentives. He
described the incentives market and the MICE sector as “stag-
“Our competition is the land-based
resorts… ‘Norwegian Mauritius’;
that’s who our competition is.” – Nick
Wilkinson
E Norwegian Bliss innovations and highlights include
new dining options, the longest racetrack at sea, openair laser tag, a 180-degree custom observation lounge,
outdoor, alfresco dining on the ship’s promenade and
headline shows including Jersey Boys.
gering… massive”.
Norwegian also recently took the step to extend its reach
in neighbouring countries, with its first Namibia roadshow
and sales are also up from Botswana and other neighbouring
countries. Mr. Wilkinson maintained travel agents were “crucial” and “a lifeline” for the cruise business with “very clever,
creative marketing techniques” to help agents convert more
business.
* See our June/July issue for a full report on the Norwegian
Bliss’ first sailing and onboard highlights for sale.