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Stuart Pearce, regional sales manager south, Azamara Club Cruises, would like a Chatty Man to go with him on the road.
Describe your typical week
Each week is different and so varied, but I always start my week with Monday as my base and planning day. From this, I am able to catch up with my accounts via the phone and discuss trading for the previous week, then implement actions to support my accounts for the coming days. Generally the rest of the week is taken up with meetings, training and events… it’s all go.
How big is Azamara’s on-the-road sales team?
Our sales team is made up of a team of three supporting our trade partners. My colleagues are Lee Surman, strategic account manager, and Nikki Singleton, regional sales manager north.
What’s in your car?
My Azamara waterproof jacket and umbrella is always at the ready on my back seat, along with a few bottles of water. Getting stuck in traffic and caught in the rain is a regular occurrence, so you always need to be prepared. I used to also keep a pack of biscuits, but as you can imagine, they disappeared fast!
What music do you listen to?
Capital Radio is a must, especially in the mornings with Dave Berry and Lisa Snowden. Otherwise I have quite a mix of music, pop, dance and some chill-out added for good measure.
What snack keeps you going on the road?
M&S Simply Food has to be the best when you are on the road… I try not to snack too much, but you have to admit, Percy Pigs are the way forward.
Who would be your ideal driving companion on a long journey?
Alan Carr. Clearly a Chatty Man who would keep me entertained on a long journey.
How many times did you take to pass your driving test?
Wow, that was a while ago… second time lucky. I had a rather funny, but quite unfortunate incident on a roundabout the first time, slightly scaring the examiner when I pulled out in front of a car.
What’s the most lost you have ever got?
I’m usually quite good with directions, but multi-storey car parks are my nightmare. They all look the same and when you’ve been in a few per day, it’s not that easy remembering which floor the car is on… as you can imagine, they all roll into one. It has been known for me to walk every floor.
If you were a car, what make would you be and why?
Range Rover, Evoque – stylish, seeking adventure and loves to explore.
Which agency gives you the warmest welcome?
That’s a hard one. All of my agents do. Tony and Josie from The Cruise Advisory Service always make me welcome for coffee in their front room. I have a fantastic portfolio of travel partners and always feel I can drop in for a coffee.
What key messages do you try to convey in an agent visit?
I like to remind my travel partners about Azamara’s destinations and fantastic ports of call, where our guests can really immerse themselves in the destination. More Overnights, Longer Stays and Night Touring give us a key differentiator. After all, the reason you travel is to see the destination, therefore, why not give the guests more time with longer stays at a beautiful boutique hotel.
What’s your advice for agents who don’t currently sell your product but are keen?
If you have guests on your database that like different destinations and boutique hotels, recommend Azamara. Being a small cruise ship experience you can trust us to make sure your guests have a fantastic time and feel special – more than 50% of our guests repeat to us, so you could gain an Azamara guest for life. Contact us – we’d love to work with you.
If you didn’t work in travel, what would you like to do instead?
I’ve always worked in travel, as it’s been a passion of mine from a young age, travelling to see family down in New Zealand. But if I had to move, maybe the music industry would be for me. Group manager maybe?
