Prestige Travel unveils ambitious strategies to enhance agent loyalty and expand offerings.
- A new travel agent website is set to launch, focusing on information, not direct bookings.
- The company plans to introduce new Latin American destinations, including Peru and Costa Rica.
- Prestige is considering revamping its on-the-road sales approach for better trade engagement.
- The focus remains on supporting trade partners, with no shift towards direct-sell models planned.
Prestige Travel has announced a series of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening its relationship with travel agents while expanding its market reach. These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to enhancing agent loyalty by addressing their needs directly and providing new opportunities through expanded destination offerings.
A key component of this strategy is the development of a new travel agent website, which will be unveiled soon. This site aims to provide comprehensive destination information and suggested itineraries but will not offer booking capabilities. Instead, it will serve as a resource platform, allowing agents to download marketing materials and partake in product training. This approach underscores Prestige’s commitment to support and equip its trade partners effectively.
In alignment with its growth ambitions, Prestige is introducing new destinations to its portfolio. The inclusion of Latin American hotspots such as Peru and Costa Rica marks the company’s inaugural expansion into this region. Separate brochures detailing these new offerings are anticipated to be released by the end of the year, providing agents with the necessary tools to promote these exciting destinations.
Additionally, the company is contemplating reviving its on-the-road sales team, a practice that was halted two years ago. This move, as revealed by Managing Director Darren Hollis, is under consideration in response to trade feedback. By potentially reinstating these sales teams, Prestige aims to bolster its trade activities and reinforce ties with agents, thereby fostering a more robust agent network.
Prestige’s dedication to operating as an agent-focused business remains steadfast. Despite past speculations, there is no intent to transition towards direct sales. As affirmed by Hollis, who was brought in initially as a consultant before assuming leadership, the company’s strategy is firmly rooted in maintaining and enhancing its support for trade partners. This approach ensures that Prestige continues to thrive through its existing channels, with 96% of sales already being agent-driven.
Prestige Travel remains committed to enhancing its agent partnerships and expanding its global presence without shifting to direct-sell models.
