The appointment of Shane Lewis-Riley as trade distribution director marks a strategic move aimed at enhancing Titan Travel’s market presence.
- Lewis-Riley plans to leverage his extensive experience from Virgin Voyages to drive Titan Travel’s growth and innovation.
- The touring sector presents an opportunity to evolve much like the cruise industry, broadening its appeal to a wider audience.
- Titan Travel anticipates a significant increase in collaboration with travel agents, who contribute to over 40% of its business.
- Plans include introducing new regional departures to serve underserved markets within the UK.
In a decisive move to strengthen its position in the travel industry, Titan Travel has appointed Shane Lewis-Riley as its new trade distribution director. With an impressive background, having previously worked for Virgin Voyages and over 20 years in the travel sector, Lewis-Riley is poised to accelerate the company’s growth trajectory.
Drawing parallels between the evolution of the cruise industry and the potential for escorted tours, Lewis-Riley believes that touring can shift perceptions as cruises did, transforming into a mainstream holiday preference. His vision is to make touring more accessible and appealing to a broader demographic, similar to how cruises expanded their market reach.
The involvement of travel agents is crucial to Titan’s strategy, as they account for a substantial portion of the company’s sales. Lewis-Riley aims to strengthen these partnerships further, increasing agent collaboration to enhance business outcomes.
One of Lewis-Riley’s primary objectives is to expand Titan’s regional footprint by offering new departures in areas currently underserved in the UK. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to engage more effectively with potential customers and create new business opportunities.
Looking ahead, Lewis-Riley intends to apply the insights gained from launching Virgin Voyages to invigorate Titan Travel. His approach includes addressing industry challenges, implementing innovative solutions, and focusing on customer engagement, all aimed at propelling Titan to the forefront of the touring sector.
Despite his recent transition, Lewis-Riley’s insights about the touring industry highlight opportunities for breaking existing stereotypes and utilising technology to streamline booking processes, making tours more user-friendly.
Shane Lewis-Riley’s strategic vision and extensive experience position Titan Travel for significant growth and innovation within the touring sector.
