Major Travel plans substantial expansion following investment by InteleTravel, aiming to enhance its agency activities across the UK.
- The company is hiring business development managers (BDMs) to strengthen relationships with agents in the UK and Ireland.
- A move towards tailor-made travel packages has led to a significant increase in Major Travel’s average booking value.
- InteleTravel’s investment aims to revolutionise Major Travel, transforming it into a leading trade-exclusive tailor-made tour operator within five years.
- Upcoming expansions include doubling staff numbers and launching significant trade events.
In a strategic move, Major Travel is set to expand its agency activities significantly following an investment from InteleTravel. This cash injection aims to foster Major Travel’s growth while ensuring it maintains operational independence. Qasim Gulamhusein, Managing Director of Major Travel, anticipates a notable increase in the company’s outreach efforts, particularly in the coming months.
To facilitate this growth, Major Travel is recruiting an increased number of Business Development Managers (BDMs) to bolster relationships with agents across the UK. Plans are in place to extend these recruiting efforts to Ireland, broadening their international footprint. This expansion is complemented by plans for an agent-focused dinner and a series of competitions and virtual roadshows, celebrating Major’s 50th anniversary.
A key factor driving Major Travel’s evolution is its shift from primarily offering US flight-only sales to focusing on tailored travel packages. This pivot has resulted in a substantial rise in average booking value, reportedly tripling to over £5,000. The packages now comprise a significant majority of their business, reflecting a successful transformation under Gulamhusein’s leadership since 2017.
James Ferrara, Co-founder and President of InteleTravel, describes the investment as a commitment to Major Travel’s future, emphasising the quality and potential of its personnel. He highlights that this is not merely a financial venture but an endorsement of the team’s ability to lead Major Travel to new heights.
The ambitious goal set by Major Travel is to become the leading trade-exclusive long-haul tailor-made tour operator in the UK within the next five years. This includes doubling the workforce, enhancing trade show participation, and introducing innovative products to the market. Such efforts are designed to empower agents by providing superior service and competitive pricing.
Gulamhusein reassures that despite this investment, Major Travel will maintain its independent operations under its current management team. He stresses that the focus remains on boosting the quality of service offered to all agents, ensuring competitive commission terms.
Additional plans include the development of Major Travel’s mobile-friendly booking platform, Major Go, and expansion into the Irish and US markets. Preparations are underway to obtain necessary licensing in Ireland, marking a strategic growth phase for the company.
Major Travel, bolstered by InteleTravel’s investment, is poised for significant growth and innovation in the travel industry.
