NCL kicks off second ‘Walk for Wellness’ challenge

By Travel Weekly

The starting gun has officially gone off for Walk for Wellness 2021, an initiative introduced by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to celebrate wellbeing within the travel industry.

Now in its second year, the Walk for Wellness challenge will run until Sunday 31 October, coinciding with a number of mental health events taking place throughout the month, including World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10 October.

The initiative encourages travel agents in Australia and New Zealand to get active and track their steps towards a combined goal of 100,000 kilometres via a free mobile app, while taking part in fun weekly challenges and connecting with their peers in the travel community along the way.

The 100,000-kilometre walking map features the journey that Norwegian Prima – NCL’s newest innovative vessel set to launch in 2022 – will sail during her inaugural Europe and Caribbean seasons, including Iceland, Scandinavia, the UK, New York City and Miami.

Reaching walking milestones will unlock challenges for opportunities to win weekly prizes as well as fun facts about Norwegian Prima.

And with over 50 prizes available, this year’s Walk for Wellness challenge will reward more agents for their involvement in even more categories.

Participants will have the chance to win an Apple Watch Series 6, Bose wireless earphones, Endota Spa gift cards, virtual gym subscriptions, cash gift cards and NCL Partners First Rewards points.

Major prizes will be awarded for participants who register the most steps, the most improved travel partner as well as the most engaged, including the chance to win an NCL cruise.

Damian Borg, sales director for Australia and New Zealand at NCL, said: “I think we can all agree that 2021 continues to present challenges that impact on the mental wellbeing of many in travel, which is why now more than ever, we’re dedicated to supporting our trade partners in line with our Partners First philosophy, bringing us together to celebrate what’s great about our industry.

“We recognise that sometimes the simple act of going for a walk can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. So, we’ve developed a way for agents to do something rewarding for themselves, but also connect with the broader travel community and the NCL team.”

Tom Manwaring, executive chairman of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, said: “Australia’s travel agents and businesses have been doing it tough since March last year and the current round of ever-expanding lockdowns remain challenging for all.

“Walk for Wellness is a very practical way of supporting our own mental and physical wellness, as well as a chance to come together to have some fun.”

Last year’s challenge saw 549 participants across Australia and New Zealand accomplish a combined total distance of 74,926 kilometres on their virtual journey across the globe, walking all the way from South America to Asia with a daily average of 18,731 kilometres achieved.

In 2021, the challenge aims to reach 600 participants and offers new elements including live-streamed yoga sessions and the opportunity to go on a virtual walk with agents’ local NCL business development manager.

To take part in NCL’s Walk for Wellness challenge, travel partners can register here before 30 September 2021. The first 200 to register will receive a Walk for Wellness t-shirt, but agents should be quick – last year’s t-shirts were claimed within two hours!

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Damian Borg NCL norwegian cruise line tom manwaring Walk for Wellness Walk for Wellness 2021 Walk for Wellness challenge Wellbeing