Head of the Avalon Waterways river cruising company, Patrick Clark, says the sector is riding a wave with Kiwi travellers. From 2012-2014, the New Zealand river cruising market across all brands has grown by 37 per cent and Avalon has had a fair share of that. Since they introduced their Panorama Class ships in 2011, Avalon's growth out of New Zealand has been more than 200 per cent.
Up the river
So what does the river cruise industry need? "New rivers," Patrick Clark tells Travel Wires. He says four out of five of their customers have taken an ocean cruise before and repeat business on the classic European rivers is huge. "Obviously Asia will grow. Maybe South America in future." Clark noted a French company had sold out a "dog-themed" cruise for Europeans who fancy taking their pampered pooches on holiday.
Giving back
The Travel Corporation's family of brands, including AAT Kings, Adventure World, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, are donating $1 per booking worldwide to the TreadRight Foundation's support of the Wilderness Foundation - Africa, this Earth Day (April 22). Every dollar donated by the company will go directly towards the TreadRight Bat Hawk - a specially designed lightweight sport aircraft for patrolling against poachers, meaning more protection for threatened rhinos. treadright.org
