In an ambitious move to solidify its position in the travel industry, TTC Tour Brands is focusing on strengthening its relationships with UK agents. The company aims to capitalise on the growing demand for touring holidays.
With a strategic expansion of its sales team and an increased focus on social media engagement, TTC Tour Brands is poised to enhance its profile and boost its trade business. This initiative is aimed at meeting the substantial appetite for touring experiences in the market.
Enhancing Visibility Among UK Agents
TTC Tour Brands is making strides to enhance its visibility among UK travel agents, as it recognises the significant potential to elevate its five distinctive brands: Contiki, Costsaver, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Luxury Gold. The company’s recent decision to expand its sales team from four to seven members underlines its commitment to this goal.
Increased Demand and Strategic Expansion
There is a growing demand for touring experiences, which has prompted TTC Tour Brands to focus on boosting bookings for future trips, particularly for 2025. Kelly Walker, the Sales Director, noted that departures for 2024 are already looking promising, and there is a ‘huge appetite’ for further touring opportunities.
The family-owned operator is leveraging its strong position by actively engaging with the trade through social media platforms. Furthermore, the company has highlighted its agent portal’s ease of use to streamline booking processes for agents.
Strategic Collaborations and Associations
With a vision to work collaboratively, TTC Tour Brands is strategically aligning with agents who are keen to explore new opportunities in the touring sector. Walker expressed that the brands’ association with the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas) has been beneficial in identifying and upskilling agents who are interested in tapping into the touring market.
‘Atas is doing a lot of work to identify agents [interested in touring] and upskilling them,’ Walker mentioned, highlighting the value of this partnership.
The recent fam trip to Greece is a testament to the brand’s commitment to enabling agents to experience the product first-hand, with more such trips planned throughout the year.
Exploring Popular Destinations
TTC Tour Brands has identified east and southeast Asia, notably Japan and the Philippines, as top-performing destinations. The Philippines itinerary by Contiki, launched in February, became the fastest-selling trip in the brand’s history, emphasising the popularity of these locations.
In response to the evolving interests of travellers, Insight Vacations introduced Women-Only Tours in March. These will commence in 2025, catering to the demand for small-group solo travel to destinations like Peru, India, Nepal, Italy, Egypt, and Morocco.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability, TTC Tour Brands has integrated social impact initiatives within its travel experiences. Walker emphasised the importance of immersive travel that allows guests to intimately understand destinations and connect with local communities.
The brands’ ‘Make Travel Matter Experiences’ aim to create a positive impact on the communities they visit, reflecting the company’s dedication to responsible tourism.
Walker shared her appreciation of immersive travel: ‘You get to understand the destination and meet the local people, and we’re huge on sustainability.’
Leveraging Social Media for Engagement
TTC Tour Brands is amplifying its social media efforts to foster stronger relationships with the trade. This approach is part of a broader strategy to build brand awareness and enhance engagement with both agents and travellers.
The company’s innovative use of social media platforms allows it to showcase its unique offerings and connect with a broader audience in the travel industry.
Future Prospects and Innovations
Looking ahead, TTC Tour Brands is poised to introduce new tours and experiences, leveraging its established expertise and market insights. The company remains committed to expanding its influence within the trade and delivering exceptional travel experiences.
As the touring landscape continues to evolve, TTC Tour Brands is expected to adapt and innovate, ensuring that its offerings remain relevant and appealing to a diverse audience.
As TTC Tour Brands embarks on this strategic journey, its commitment to innovation and sustainability is clear. By enhancing its trade relationships and expanding its tour offerings, the company is set to solidify its presence in the competitive travel market.
With a focus on immersive experiences and sustainable tourism, TTC Tour Brands is well-positioned to captivate a broad audience seeking unique and responsible travel options. The future looks promising as the company continues to adapt and grow in the dynamic travel landscape.
