Havila Voyages Names Aviareps as China Sales Agent

Havila Voyages has appointed Aviareps as its General Sales Agent in China, effective immediately, in a move aimed at increasing the Norwegian coastal operator’s visibility with Chinese travel sellers and consumers. Aviareps will handle sales, marketing and public relations activity for Havila in the market under the new agreement.

The appointment gives Havila local trade representation in China as it seeks to sell more voyages on its Bergen-Kirkenes coastal route. The company operates four sister ships on the Norwegian Coastal Express service, offering 12-day round trips along the Norwegian coast and shorter one-way sailings.

“We are pleased to appoint Aviareps as our General Sales Agent in China,” said Johanna Hansli, chief sales officer at Havila Voyages. “Their strong market knowledge, established travel trade network and comprehensive sales and marketing expertise make them the ideal partner to help us grow our presence in this important market.”

Hansli said the companies plan to bring “the unique experience of Norway’s coastal voyage to more travelers from China.”

Aviareps’ work will include developing new business, expanding relationships with travel agencies and tour operators, and raising Havila’s profile through sales calls, trade presentations, promotional campaigns, webinars and consumer events. The agreement also covers travel-agent training, familiarization trips, booking and reservation support through Havila’s dedicated booking platform, partner management and market-specific marketing and PR activity.

Tom Fecke, global head of cruise at Aviareps, called China “an exciting growth opportunity for Havila Voyages” and said Aviareps would support the company’s expansion in the market through local trade relationships and sales activity.

Havila’s coastal product centers on four identical ships: MS Havila Capella, MS Havila Castor, MS Havila Polaris and MS Havila Pollux, each with 179 cabins and capacity for up to 640 passengers. The full round voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes covers about 2,500 nautical miles and calls at more than 30 Norwegian coastal ports in each direction.

The route includes calls and scenic sailing areas tied closely to Norway’s coastal tourism appeal, including the Arctic Circle, Lofoten, Tromsø, the North Cape and Geirangerfjord. Havila began operating the service in 2021. All four ships have been in service since 2023.

Aviareps, headquartered in Munich and founded in 1994, represents aviation and tourism brands globally, including cruise lines, destinations, hotels and other travel companies. Havila did not disclose financial terms for the China GSA agreement.