Travel Department UK is set to enhance its trade distribution efforts significantly.
- The company aims to collaborate closely with travel agents to expand its reach.
- Agent sales have surpassed expectations, prompting strategic planning for future growth.
- Incentives and competitions are being introduced to strengthen agent relationships.
- The operator is committed to offering exceptional value and bespoke marketing support for agents.
Travel Department UK is making significant strides in expanding its trade distribution efforts. The company, known for its expertise in escorted tours and group travel for nearly 30 years, is strengthening its collaboration with travel agents. With an impressive record of exceeding sales expectations, the operator is now strategising for future growth.
Agents in the UK are already engaged in selling the company’s 2025 holiday offerings, highlighting the positive impact of last year’s expansion of the distribution network. Currently, agent sales make up more than 35% of forward bookings, a testament to the successful partnership with UK agents.
To further solidify these relationships, Travel Department UK is introducing a variety of incentives. These include travel vouchers, prizes, and competitions, along with opportunities for agents to participate in future familiarisation trips. Departures are set from major locations such as London, Belfast, Scotland, and Dublin, broadening the horizon for prospective holidaymakers.
Stephen Mills, the UK general manager, emphasized the tailored support provided to partners. “We partner with leading travel agents to offer exceptional holidays with incredible value from our departure points,” he stated. The company is also committed to creating bespoke over-branded direct mail campaigns, social media content, and promotional offers, enhancing the marketing efforts of its agent partners.
Recently, the company hosted agents from Oasis Travel and Barrhead Travel on familiarisation trips to Italy. This initiative allowed agents to join holidaymakers and guides, gaining firsthand experience of the company’s offerings. Mills noted, “Hosting our second agent fam in three months demonstrates our investment and belief in the sector, and how valuable our travel agent partners have become.“
Travel Department UK’s strategic focus for 2024 is to further expand its partnerships with the right agents. By offering exceptional product, pricing, and destinations from departure points like Dublin in pound sterling, the company continues to set a high standard in the travel industry.
Travel Department UK’s commitment to expanding its trade distribution underlines its strategic focus on agent partnerships, ensuring a bright future for its operations.
