The booking situation at Viking Line for this summer is very positive, says Kathrin Schiemann, Passenger Sales & Marketing Manager for Germany and Western Europe. ‘We are more than satisfied. But we currently still have capacity available for the summer departures, so that Viking Line can still be offered by Dutch travel agents.’ Viking Line connects important ports on the Baltic Sea. The main route is the one from Stockholm via the Åland Islands to Turku with two daily sailings. ‘Our fantastic Viking Glory and Viking Grace sail this route and these ships are also very popular with Dutch travellers. The main Stockholm-Helsinki city route is also a favourite with night crossings that we offer every day. This connection is not only interesting for crossings from A to B, but also as a short cruise and in addition to a city trip to Stockholm or Helsinki.’ The Dutch market is very interesting for Viking Line, says Schiemann. ‘And we are certainly interesting for the Dutch market as well. With Finland, we offer a destination that interests Dutch travellers, both in summer and winter. Our red ships sail daily, all year round. We offer high quality at an attractive price. Isn’t that something the Dutch love?’ How is the collaboration with the travel industry in the Netherlands going? “The Dutch market is very interesting for Viking Line and we offer fair conditions for the B2B market. The traditional travel agency is just as interesting for Viking Line as tour operators and coach companies. We can only be successful with a mix of B2B customers. As a contact person in Western Europe, I look forward to working with existing partners and making new contacts.’ Do you have any tips on how the retail Viking Line can sell even better? ‘I do have a good tip for all police officers. We at Viking Line not only offer ferry crossings and mini cruises with our six ships, but also cottages on the Åland Islands and hotels in the Nordic countries. Excursions and transfers can also be booked through us. When agents bundle these offers into one trip, they can offer the traveler a great tour.” Photo: Kathrin Schiemann, Passenger Sales & Marketing Manager for Germany and Western Europe at Viking Line.
