Hurtigruten to launch in Ireland

HURTIGRUTEN, the Norwegian specialist cruise company, will invest €250,000 to launch in the Irish market this week.

In addition to producing a euro-priced Irish brochure for Antarctica 2007-08, the organisation has introduced a website — www.hurtigruten.ie — which goes live tomorrow.

“The investment is substantial for the initial return,” explained managing director, Iain Cottam.

“Over the past few years we have seen a gradual increase in the number of Irish consumers booking our services, both directly and through several specialist Irish tour operators including Lee Travel in Cork and Project Travel in Dublin.

“We now see an opportunity in Ireland to grow our business for our voyages in Antarctica and Northern Norway.”