TUI Travel Become Latest ACE Members
The Association of Cruise Experts (Ace) has welcomed TUI Travel to its membership. TUI, which is made up of both Thomson and First Choice, follows Thomas Cook as one of its latest members.Ace, formally known as the Passenger Shipping Association Retail Agents' Scheme, has enjoyed its membership increase five times over in the last two years and now has over 3,000 members. Andy Harmer, business development director of Ace, was pleased with the recent additions and promised more developments to come:
“The addition of Thomson and First Choice is an endorsement of the work undertaken by Ace in providing exceptional cruise training.
“This significant increase in membership means we can further invest in the specialised training and support offered to agents.
Harmer added that more agents receiving training from ACE would benefit to the industry and increase passenger volumes, which are already at record amounts. Approximately 1.5 million Brits are expected to go on a cruise holiday this year and the Association of Cruise Experts has organised its first National Cruise Week to celebrate. Andy Harmer believes the September event will succeed in making cruising even more popular:
“The choice now offered by companies is immense; there is a cruise to suite all ages and all pockets. You can find intimacy or full-on fun, snow or sun, desert or jungle, relaxation or activity – the choice is truly endless.
Harmer had previously stated that if ACE members were imaginative and innovative, the first National Cruise Week could become the world's biggest cruise event.
