Specialist walking tour operator Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is to sell through the trade for the first time in its 61-year history.
Marketing manager Tony Maniscalco said Ramblers Worldwide had changed its policy of only selling direct in order to attract new markets.
He is hoping to use his experience of working with the trade in Mundi Color, where he was sales and marketing manager until he joined Ramblers Worldwide in January, to sign a raft of new contracts.
He said: “There are a lot of ramblers out there and we can help put agents in touch with their local clubs to target them.”
As the official operator of the Ramblers’ Association, Ramblers Worldwide has access to a database of over 140,000 UK members, and carries up to 20,000 passengers a year.
No specific commission levels have been set. However, agents can earn payments of up to £100 per person per booking.
Maniscalco assured agents they would not be undercut, with prices through the trade offered at the same price as those sold direct.
While conventional ramblers are the operator’s main clients, he said the company is also attracting new markets.
“We are very popular with single women as they know they will make friends, while the growth of the activity market and green concerns means more people are taking an interest in rambling,” added Maniscalco.