The much-anticipated launch of the newly unified travel booking platform by Classic Collection marks a significant milestone.
- As the On the Beach-owned operator consolidates its brands, agents can expect streamlined operations.
- With over 5,000 hotels now accessible, the platform promises enhanced booking flexibility across multiple destinations.
- In response to market demands, the new system supports adjustments in commission levels and short-haul flight capacity.
- Launch promotions include attractive discounts and daily rewards, underscoring the platform’s commitment to its partners.
In a move towards operational consolidation, Classic Collection has unveiled a brand-new booking platform, effectively merging its previous dual-brand strategy into a single, cohesive entity. This development aligns with the operator’s strategic restructuring of its trade division, promising a broader range of products and greater booking flexibility for travel agents.
Agents participating in the launch events across Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Belfast have been introduced to the enhanced platform, which incorporates the capacity to access over 5,000 hotels across 78 global destinations, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia. This novel system is designed to facilitate a more efficient booking process, a feature that is further augmented by user-friendly, trade-only access, available round the clock.
Si Morris-Green, the B2B director, noted the positive reception among agents, highlighting the platform’s increased availability of single-centre products, accessible 24/7. He stated, “From today we are giving agents the chance to book with a 100% trade-focused operator.” The platform aims to leverage the rise in short-haul airline capacity anticipated for 2024, offering flight options from more than 20 UK airports.
Moreover, the platform is engineered to adapt to agents’ needs, enabling them to modify commission levels, thus offering a tailored booking experience. Serving as more than just a booking tool, the platform also provides access to a tailored sub-site. This includes twin-centre, cruise, rail, and premium luxury holidays, available for booking via phone. Morris-Green highlights that the focus is on excelling in traditional strengths, thereby streamlining product offerings.
Acknowledging transitional challenges, Morris-Green extended gratitude to agent partners for their patience during the shift, which involved “slower than usual” response times. Emphasising the commitment to supporting agents, he stated, “We count customers in the thousands rather than the millions, which gives us the opportunity to showcase the enhanced customer service associated with the Classic Collection brand.”
In conjunction with the launch, a set of promotional incentives has been introduced. These include discounts of £50 and £75 on bookings for Summer 2024 and 2025, respectively, with all June bookings entering a daily prize draw for a £50 reward. These incentives are a testament to the brand’s dedication to fostering agent success and driving business growth.
Classic Collection’s new platform represents a strategic evolution aimed at enhancing travel agent operations and customer satisfaction.
