Company Cultivates Travel Agent Partnerships With Record Number of Meetings Across the U.S.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - January 25th, 2018 - Croatia's award-winning DMC and small ship cruise company, Katarina Line, continues to expand its travel agent network across the U.S. This year, it plans to participate in a record number of industry trade shows, education seminars and one-on-one meetings as Americans discover the unique appeal of small-ship cruising along the scenic coastline of Croatia.  The company is also reporting growing interest in its diverse and customizable land tours that span Croatia and surrounding countries "from top to toe."  The tours are introducing Americans to UNESCO World Heritage sites, villages and picturesque small towns steep in history, cultural and gastronomic traditions.

According to Daniel Hauptfeld, Katarina Line's marketing director, travel agents account for more than 98% of all of the company's bookings.  The near-exclusive relationship makes agent support a significant factor in Katarina's growing success in North America and allows the company to provide generous commission incentives.

"Travel agents are our most valuable asset," said Hauptfeld.  "That is why Katarina has booked a record 19 trade shows across the U.S. for the first quarter of the year alone.  Our calendar will be even busier in subsequent months.  Meeting agents face-to-face offers us a great opportunity to educate them about Croatia and help them successfully sell our cruises and land tours."

Hauptfeld added that the company has increased its trade show budget for 2018 in anticipation of further expanding its travel agent outreach throughout the year. The schedule includes shows and in-office meetings in the United States and Canada.

In addition to the New York Times Travel Show, Katarina Line will attend the Travel Adventure Show in Chicago, February 10 and 11; in San Francisco, February 17 and 18; Los Angeles, February 24 and 25; Philadelphia, March 10 and 11; Dallas, March 17 and 18; and Denver, March 24 and 25.  It will attend Peninsula Shows in Florida (West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa), February 13 – 15; Washington-Baltimore-Cherry Hill, March 12 – 14; New Jersey and Boston, March 19 – 21; and Texas (Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston), April 2 – 5.  Other shows include the Sell Croatia – HTZ Workshop in San Francisco, February 20, and in Los Angeles, February 22; and the Travursity Travel Showcase in Fort Lauderdale, March 7, and in San Antonio, March 28.

Katarina Line will conclude its first series of shows for 2018 with Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum, April 9 – 11; Miami's Cruise 360, April 19; and Global Travel Marketplace in Las Vegas, May 15 – 17.  Company representatives attending these shows include Daniel Hauptfeld, Sanja Laginja Nekic, Stjepan Vrsalovic, Goran Biljakovic, and Katica Hauptfeld.

The company can schedule meetings during the shows as well as before and after the trade show.  Katarina representatives can also visit agents' office for a private presentation and to train its staff. Contact Katarina Line toll-free at 1-800-485-3121 for further information.

About Katarina Line
Katarina Line is a leading, award-winning DMC in Croatia and Croatia's premier small ship cruise company with weekly guaranteed departures from the end of April to mid-October. It operates out of the major tourist centers of Opatija, Split and Dubrovnik. With a growing fleet of more than 60 ships in six different categories, the company serves more than 110,000 clients that include 30,000 cruise guests of all ages and budgets. Katarina Line itineraries give travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning natural environment and picturesque Mediterranean towns of Croatia while hopping from one island to another, offering guests unique opportunity to experience the true Croatia. The company enjoys an exceptional relationship with travel agents, which account for more than 98% of all bookings worldwide. Katarina line is a member of many different travel associations, including USTOA, ASTA, NTA, ACTA, RDA, STAN and ETOA.  For more information, call toll-free 1-800-485-3121 or visit them online.

###