InteleTravel is witnessing substantial growth in its cruise sector, with an impressive 10% of total turnover now attributed to this segment.
- Cruise sales have seen a 20% improvement compared to early 2023, marking a significant uptick in customer interest.
- The Middle East, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean remain top selling destinations, reflecting evolving travel preferences.
- Notably, there is a 10.3% rise in average booking values as advisors focus on luxury offerings.
- The agency’s new training programmes are geared towards enhancing advisor expertise and boosting sales.
InteleTravel, a prominent homeworking agency, has reported that cruise holidays now form 10% of its total turnover, underscoring a remarkable 20% enhancement from the same period in January 2023. This surge indicates a growing consumer preference for cruise vacations, perhaps driven by competitive pricing and attractive itineraries in the cruise market.
During this period, the agency noted a 10% increase in overall sales, with the Middle East, Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean emerging as the most sought-after destinations. These regions appeal to travellers seeking diverse cultural experiences and scenic beauty, aligning with global travel trends towards exotic and bespoke travel experiences.
Further, InteleTravel experienced a 10.3% growth in average booking values as advisors concentrated on luxury cruise sales. The average sale for the top 50 advisors amounted to £26,973, with the highest individual booking recorded at £134,529, signifying a strong market for high-end travel.
In a statement, Tricia Handley-Hughes, UK and Ireland managing director of InteleTravel, highlighted that despite a general decline in retail spending towards the end of 2023, there is renewed confidence in the travel sector, with consumers eager to secure holiday plans early, leveraging favourable pricing. “Confidence in booking through a trusted travel advisor is definitely back,” she remarked, emphasising the value placed on personalised travel planning.
InteleTravel has also taken strides towards operational efficiency by incorporating AI technology to streamline back-office processes, thus allowing advisors more time to focus on sales. The agency has launched a bespoke training programme designed to enhance advisors’ ability to upsell and has secured a robust schedule of partner activities throughout the year. This focus on training and engagement is posited as crucial to sustaining and amplifying the agency’s growth.
InteleTravel’s strategic focus on cruise sales and advisory excellence underpins its enhanced turnover and booking values.
