AmaWaterways has launched the latest iteration of its Sell Five, Sail Free booking incentive.

Travel agents who secure five new FIT bookings by 31 December 2021 will earn a complimentary seven-night river cruise for themselves and a companion.

As an added bonus, agents who make 10 or more new bookings will have the opportunity to be among the first guests to sail on AmaDahlia, which launches on the Nile in September 2021.

AmaWaterways managing director Jamie Loizou said: “We recognise that it has been a tough few months for our travel partners. Despite that, our 2021 and 2022 sales are strong, with June in particular seeing our highest-ever sales for future bookings.

“As a 100 per cent trade-focused business, the travel trade is fundamental to our success and the early launch of our Sell Five, Sail Free incentive is our way of showing how much we appreciate their support. We look forward to welcoming them back on board soon.”

AmaWaterways has also announced that it will be paying agents an advance on their commission when they make a new booking on 2021 European sailings.

The Book Now, Earn Now concept means agents will earn £135 per guest the moment they collect the deposit, as an advance on their commission.

The initiative is in conjunction with the line’s Peace of Mind Promise, which gives guests the opportunity to amend, postpone or cancel their booking up to 24 hours before travel.

Loizou added: “We know that agents have seen their income severely impacted in recent months and we have been looking at ways in which we can help. So, we are introducing two initiatives – one for agents and one for guests – which work in tandem.

“We believe our Peace of Mind Promise will give guests the confidence to commit to future travel and Book Now, Earn Now will provide our trade partners with some much-needed financial support.”

Agents should visit the line’s travel agent portal at amawaterways.co.uk for more information.