Baron Travel Corporation, one of the largest travel agencies in the Philippines, and Scenic Group, the parent company of Emerald Cruises, have formed a partnership. This joint venture brings Emerald Cruises, a world-renowned luxury river cruise and yacht operator, to provide Filipino travelers with a memorable luxury river cruise experience.
The partnership was officially launched at the Peninsula Hotel Manila on June 28. Anthony Laver, Scenic Group General Manager Sales & Marketing APAC, joined Marilen Yaptangco, President and CEO of Baron Travel Corporation, to celebrate this milestone occasion with invited travel trade, key partners and the media.
The event showcases the unique offerings of the Emerald Cruises fleet of Luxury Yachts, River Cruise Star-Ships and Escorted Tours available for booking for 2024, 2025 and beyond.
Yaptangco expressed her pride and excitement for this milestone, stating, “The partnership with Emerald Cruises comes at a time when the Philippine travel market is aligning with the aspirations for clients to embark on luxury Yacht & River cruising in Europe, the Mediterranean, and other stunning destinations. We highly anticipate a long and fruitful collaboration between the highly experienced Emerald Cruises and Baron Travel teams.”
In an interview with Travel Update, Anthony Laver acknowledged the significant demand for luxury river and ocean cruises in the Philippine market.
“We have noticed that the Filipinos have a very good understanding of ocean cruising. They have done short cruises on very large ships, but we are starting to see now that they are looking towards more specialized experiences and now with Baron also doing river cruises,” related Laver.
The Scenic Group, based in Australia, operates nine river cruise ships and two yacht cruises, with eight river cruise ships in Europe and one in the Mekong River in Asia.
Laver highlighted the Filipinos’ penchant for cruising and taste for luxury, leading them to expand their Asian market.
“We did a lot of research before we chose Baron Travel. Baron has a good strong business reputation, and does quality service. Our clients want quality, no compromise and we have to have a partner who understands that. We have been looking into expanding in Asia for quite sometime. In Japan we are In different markets. They have been very good innovators in that area. For the Philippines, what is interesting is that it is a country that has been very exposed to the ocean. We normally don’t look for the super rich but the well-to-do, those with good jobs, having families, have retired, and want to enjoy life without any hassle. You are also English-speaking, aspirational, and want to see other parts of the world, especially if you are going to Europe anyway. It is very affordable,” he expressed.
It is well-known that cruises offer more value-for-money, with less hassle in long immigration queues, only unpacking once, destinations in less-crowded places, specialized activities like the sought-after “market tour,” and no “sea days” that may bore passengers. All activities are included in the all-inclusive package.
“You can actually see the Eiffel Tower, drinking your coffee in peace on board for free.There are no price surprises onboard, other activities are included with no extra charge. Food and service are excellent, which is what Filipinos like. It is the new way to travel,” Laver concluded.
For booking inquiries, contact Baron Travel at ftd@barontravel.com.ph, mobile +63939726-0994 or landline +632 88174926.