CRESTA has almost doubled its Worldwide reservations staff after claiming its original seven-strong team could no longer cope with demand.
The short-break specialist has taken on a further five staff and increased its administration department following strong sales.
Managing director Steve Kimber claimed the Worldwide programme, now in its second year, has taken off after moderate carryings in its first season of around 5,000.
“We were quietly satisfied but the take-up since the launch of the 2000 brochure has been exceptional,” said Kimber.
Launching the second-edition brochure, Kimber said new additions of Mexico, the Maldives and Sri Lanka have made satisfactory starts with the Mayan Riviera in Mexico outselling Cancun by three to one. Worldwide marketing executive Maria Linares said: “The charm of the Mayan Riviera appeals to the more refined European taste and our four and five-star hotels are selling better than the lower grades.”
The operator has introduced a new direct charter service to the Maldives from Gatwick and Manchester following the withdrawal of Air Maldives flights to Male.
Linares said the move follows cancellations from customers.
“They were not prepared to change to an indirect service,” she said.
Linares added that the new service can save customers up to £150 per person on first-edition prices. Discounts are available at around 50 resorts in the programme with extended early-bird offers and new free-night deals.
A monthly eight-page brochure will be sent to agents from this month detailing new promotions and offers.