The travel industry is abuzz as Holiday Best, a burgeoning start-up tour operator, is poised to introduce a new online booking portal targeted at travel agents. This initiative is seen as a pivotal step in establishing the company’s reputation within the trade, offering a seamless and efficient booking experience for its agents.
In the lead-up to this launch, Holiday Best has actively engaged with the trade sector, focusing primarily on Turkey, particularly due to its potential as a key destination. The company is committed to delivering real package holidays combining affordability with reliable services, a move that is expected to resonate well with both agents and consumers.
Holiday Best is on the verge of launching its innovative online booking portal for 450 registered travel agents, marking a significant milestone for the new tour operator. Initially launched to consumers in July of last year, the operator has been proactive in establishing discussions with the trade since the autumn, with a key focus on Turkey as its primary destination.
Since its inception, Holiday Best has obtained an Atol license for 81,000 passengers in its first year, positioning itself as a formidable player in the market. The company remains committed to offering ‘real package holidays’ which encompass transfers and in-resort representation. It has secured exclusive partnerships with Southwind Airlines to facilitate flights from regional airports and key hubs.
Milburn acknowledged, “We are brand new to the market and conversations have taken a bit longer than I originally thought.” He further emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing their B2B portal, which is set to fully engage all partners in the coming weeks.
Milburn was encouraged by the interest from several agents who have proactively explored the site and expressed interest in forming partnerships. He stated, “It’s back to the classic package holiday of 20 years ago and people love it.”
The success of these marketing efforts is reflected in the steady split of bookings between the call centre and the online platform. Milburn highlights the pivotal role of advertising in building consumer trust and gaining a foothold in the competitive travel market.
He expressed optimism that by leveraging the strengths of their agent partners, Holiday Best could further dominate the market, providing consumers with tailored travel solutions that address their unique needs and preferences.
Holiday Best’s impending launch of its booking portal represents a substantial advancement for the start-up in broadening its reach within the travel industry. Through strategic partnerships and a robust marketing strategy, the company is set to solidify its standing and deliver unparalleled service value to both agents and consumers.
With the rollout of its booking portal, Holiday Best is set to redefine its role in the travel sector, strengthening its partnerships with agents while enhancing the consumer experience. The company’s strategic focus and innovative approach underscore its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the industry.