BELLEVUE, WASH. - The top cruise travel agency franchise in North America, Expedia CruiseShipCenters, announced a milestone-heavy year for the growing brand. The brick and mortar travel agency achieved 12 percent year-over-year growth in gross bookings, opened 25 new franchise locations and welcomed a record-breaking 1,773 new Vacation Consultants to its network. Looking forward to 2018, the brand expects another high performing year with 35 new franchise openings projected.
Adding to the several notable growth achievements over the past year, Expedia CruiseShipCenters broke into Entrepreneur Magazine's annual Franchise 500 ranking. The prestigious ranking is a testament to the brand's ability to grow its footprint across North America while continuing to provide unparalleled franchisee support and customer service. Riding this wave of success, the leading travel company has announced plans to develop new and established markets across the United States in 2018, with particular focus on Florida, Texas, Georgia, Illinois, Washington and Arizona.
"2017 was a terrific year, and it has provided us with insight on what we'll be capable of achieving in 2018," said Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. "As the industry continues to thrive, with fleets expanding and new lines being introduced to the waters, we're eager to play an integral part of this booming business while continuing to welcome new Franchise Partners and Vacation Consultants to our expanding network."
Expedia CruiseShipCenters' growth is in part driven by the continued expansion of the cruising industry. As noted in the recent Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report, cruise travel is expected to rise in 2018, boosting the global economy. An estimated 27.2M passengers are expected to cruise (demand has increased 20.5 percent in last five years). Additionally, 27 new ocean, river and specialty ships are scheduled to debut. After years of stagnant performance, the cruise industry is coming back with a vengeance, contributing more than $126B in total output worldwide.
In addition to stimulating growth of the brand's internal assets and franchise development, Expedia CruiseShipCenters was recognized by several industry leaders, receiving the President's Award for Overall Achievement from Royal Caribbean International, Chairman's Award from Carnival Cruise Line, 2017 Canadian Retail Partner of the Year from MSC Cruises, Travel Agency Partner West (awarded to Expedia CruiseShipCenters Port Coquitlam) and Travel Agency Partner Quebec (awarded to Expedia CruiseShipCenters Quebec) from Norwegian Cruise Lines and the Canada Region Strategic Market Account of the Year from Celebrity Cruises (Awarded to Expedia CruiseShipCenters Oakville South). Each honor provided further example of how Expedia CruiseShipCenters' franchisees set the industry standard in quality and service, pushing the brand forward as a top competitor in the travel agency space.
