MSC raises commission on shore excursions

MSC Cruises is to raise the amount of commission it pays on shore excursions as part of its ‘serving you’ initiative.

The higher commission will be available from today (1 October) and run on an initial six-month trial.

Travel agents previously received a standard rate of 5 per cent on all shore excursions but will now be in-line to receive an amount based on individual negotiations.

However, agents must book excursions through mscbook.com/uk to receive the commission.

Giles Hawke, MSC Cruises executive director UK & Ireland said: “When we unveiled ‘Serving You’we set out our plans to get closer to the trade and listen to their concerns. Enhancing commission on excursions was on our ‘to do’ list and we have been true to our word.

“Agents had told us in the past that our excursions were complicated to book and that the payments didn’t reflect the time it took. MSC Book is much more user friendly and integrates excursions into the sales path, so our partners can now book land-based activities easier and make more money.”

MSC Book was introduced to the trade in September.