Holiday Best is set to launch a booking portal for travel agents within six weeks, enhancing trade operations.
- The company commenced consumer operations last July, focusing initially on Turkey and engaged in trade discussions during autumn.
- Delays in the rollout were due to peak sales periods and tech upgrades, but the operator remains committed to agent sales.
- Exclusive flights with Southwind Airlines and competitive package deals are key attractions, with strong interest from agents.
- Holiday Best aims for agents to account for at least 35% of sales, capitalising on a successful marketing campaign.
Holiday Best is gearing up to introduce an online booking portal designed specifically for travel agents within the next six weeks. This development signifies a significant step in enhancing the company’s trade operations. Initially launched to consumers in July of the previous year, Holiday Best directed its focus towards Turkey, which remains a key destination for the operator. By autumn, discussions with trade entities had commenced, aiming to solidify relationships and expand market presence.
The rollout of this booking portal has encountered delays attributed to the busy peak sales period, alongside necessary technology updates. Despite these setbacks, Holiday Best is resolute in its ambition to facilitate agent sales. John Milburn, the chief marketing officer and a former director at Hays Travel, expressed optimism about the portal’s launch and the opportunities it presents, despite longer-than-anticipated discussion periods.
A notable highlight for Holiday Best is its exclusive flight arrangements with Southwind Airlines, which operate from regional airports and key hubs. This, coupled with appealing package deals that include transfers and in-resort representatives, positions the operator as a competitive force in the travel industry. The offerings are particularly compelling given the promise of ‘real package holidays’ reminiscent of the traditional experiences valued by consumers.
Already, the company has secured commercial agreements with three consortia, in addition to dealings with independent agencies and smaller groups. Milburn highlighted the positive reception from agents who have previewed the B2B site, noting the substantial potential to tap into late summer demand, predominantly driven by family bookings which presently constitute 60% of total sales. The provision of a £25 deposit feature enhances accessibility and incentivises early engagement with the brand.
Importantly, Holiday Best’s commitment to agents is underscored by its objective to have at least 35% of its sales generated through agent partnerships. This target is buoyed by a robust national advertising campaign that spanned television, radio, and digital platforms, yielding strong consumer responses. While social media remains a vital channel for driving traffic and achieving conversions, the overarching strategy emphasises building trust and establishing enduring collaborations with agents.
Holiday Best’s innovative booking portal is set to redefine agent engagement, promising a strong foundation for future growth.
