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Expedia® CruiseShipCenters® Sails to New Heights after Record Year of Franchise Growth

By: Expedia CruiseShipCenters International Inc |  1,014 Shares     136 Reads

Cruise Industry Leader to Make a Big Splash in 2015 with the Addition of 40 New Retail Travel Agencies

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - February 12, 2015 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - According to Cruise Market Watch, more than 22.2 million people worldwide are expected to take a cruise in 2015 as seven new ships are expected to enter the market. With 2/3 of all cruises being booked through a travel agent, Expedia CruiseShipCenters – part of Expedia, Inc., one of the largest travel companies in the world, looks forward to another favorable year of growth expecting to add over 40 new franchise locations throughout the United States and Canada.

2014 marked a record year of growth for the brand with the awarding of 30 new retail franchises, and adding over 1,000 new Vacation Consultants to its growing network. The Vancouver-based franchise is making its mark in the United States, projecting 80 percent distribution channel growth nationwide during 2015 compared to 66 percent the previous year. To meet the high demand for quality cruises, the industry frontrunner is ramping up expansion efforts with plans to open 150 new locations over the next three years targeting development in Texas, California, Georgia, Washington, Florida and New York.

"The growing popularity of cruising has presented our brand with the phenomenal opportunity to strengthen our market share across the country," said Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. "There has never been a better time to capitalize on this booming industry and we look forward to another huge growth year as we further expand our national footprint. Having experienced 28 years of continuous growth, Expedia CruiseShipCenters offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to join the most recognized brand in travel."

In addition to achieving record growth in 2014, Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ network of franchise owners also experienced a remarkable year. The company continues to see a substantial increase in average first year franchise sales, which has nearly doubled over the past two years. This can be attributed to the brand’s scalable business model and increase in multi-unit ownership. More than 40 percent of franchisees own more than one territory, which is a testament to the strength of Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ business model.

As a result of its ongoing success, the brand has earned a spot in Franchise Business Review’s Top 50 Franchises, along with esteemed rankings in Entrepreneur Magazine's 2015 Franchise 500® and 2014 Top Global Franchises lists. With a current network of more than 190 independently owned franchise locations that support 4,000 Vacation Consultants across North America, the brand will continue to flourish as the global leader in cruise and vacation sales.

As part of a company with $50 billion in annual gross bookings, Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ Franchise Partners and Vacation Consultants can leverage Expedia’s full line of products including flights, hotels, vacation packages and more. Visit www.expediafranchise.com for more information about joining the Expedia CruiseShipCenters team.

About Expedia CruiseShipCenters

Named a fast-growing franchise by MSN Money, Expedia CruiseShipCenters provides exceptional value and expert advice for travelers booking cruises and vacations through its network of 190 retail travel agency franchises. As part of the Expedia, Inc. family of brands, the company’s 4,000 Vacation Consultants sell a wide range of vacation products including cruises, flights, hotels, vacation packages, tours, excursions and more. The company has been navigating spectacular vacation experiences for customers across North America for more than 28 years. For more information on Expedia CruiseShipCenters, visit www.expediafranchise.com.

Expedia is either a registered trademark or trademark of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2015 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST # 2029030-50 and CST # 20893-43

SOURCE Expedia CruiseShipCenters

Contact: 

Lauren Barbian
Fishman Public Relations
847-945-1300
lbarbian@fishmanpr.com

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