| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 10/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
Promotion of specialist products aims to expand the company’s appeal to a wider range of clients
TV Travel Shop launches third channel to win upmarket sales
Report by TANYA JEFFERIES
Report by TANYA JEFFERIES
TV TRAVEL Shop is planning to target upmarket holidaymakers with the launch of a third channel promoting specialist products.Group managing director Tony Wheble said the channel would cover cruising, skiing, activities including sailing and golfing, and long-haul holidays.
“We think cruising will sell particularly well through TV,” said Wheble.
“Our other channels are very mass market, aimed at Mail on Sunday readers with 2.3 kids, but our third channel will be focused more on upmarket customers.”
A start date has not yet been revealed. TV Travel Shop is due to launch a second channel featuring three operators – Cosmos, JMC and Thomson – on July 27.
The companies’ products will be promoted in rotation around the clock.
“The business is going from strength to strength – we will more than double our turnover this year,” claimed Wheble. However, he refused to give exact figures.
TVTravel Shop has also announced plans to expand into Europe.
Wheble said that as UK customers started using digital facilities over the next few years, the company planned to use its old analogue equipment to start broadcasting in Germany.
It is also interested in launching services in Spain, Italy and Scandinavia.
Meanwhile, TV Travel Shop has recruited Flextech’s vice-president of distribution Richard Thompson to take on the newly created job of commercial director for distribution, advertising and e-commerce.
Head of broadcast Nigel Wallington has taken on the additional role of acting commercial director following the departure of Carol Smallman earlier this year.
She left the company following a dispute over her contract (Travel Weekly May 15).
Market expansion: the new channel will promote a programme which includes cruising and activities such as skiing, sailing and golfing