After 9 months without ship cruises, travel advisors know their clients cannot wait to return to sailing.
RCG-Royal Caribbean Group announced plans to launch the second phase of its successful RCL Cares program, named “Pay It Forward”, to support its travel advisors as they need to rebuild their businesses following the challenging 2020.
The program makes a US$40 million pool of funds that is available to qualifying travel advisors, who can apply for 3-year, interest-free loans of up to US$250,000 to keep their businesses focused on the return at a time when the pandemic shows prospects for coming under control.
Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean Group’s chairman & CEO said:
“We know our travel advisor friends are suffering, too, and we will get through this tough period together, just as we always have.
“Our travel partners have stood strong beside us for more than 50 years, and we are determined to be there for them now. We’re going to get to the other side of this challenging time together.”
The suspension of cruises put a financial strain not only on lines but on travel agencies. While there is increasing optimism that the travel industry will recover, businesses need financial support during the intervening period of the slower-than-usual business.
Royal Caribbean said details about the application process for the new program would be shared with travel advisors in January 2021.