Great Little Breaks has begun working with 100 new agents over the past month, with trade sales now accounting for nearly half of all business.
Chris Cundall, director of trade relations at the UK short-break specialist, told a Travel Weekly webcast that domestic holidays were a “huge opportunity” for agents.
He said: “I used to work at Super Break and when they left the market, there wasn’t anyone who came in to fill that space.”
Cundall said Great Little Breaks had targeted 20% of sales through the trade but the proportion was now running at about 45%.
“We’ve had 100 agents who had never booked with Great Little Breaks before book in the last month,” he added.
Cundall said previous research had found customers take up to three UK short breaks for each overseas holiday they book.
He reassured agents many hotels still had capacity, despite reports of low availability in popular spots such as Cornwall and the Lake District.
Sarah Barton, head of trade at Visit Jersey, said the tourist board had seen strong engagement from agents in training, online resources and new product launches, including new tours from Cosmos, Shearings and Leger Holidays.
Claire Brighton, account director for the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers, said the wave of new touring product had been “well‑received” by agents.
“The most important thing agents should do is make it clear to their customers that they sell UK holidays,” she said.
“Get it on your social media or in shop windows.
“Ensure customers know you can be their go-to for UK breaks.”