Kuoni plans to develop more themed in-store events as well as ‘at home’ parties for clients.
The operator is already offering ‘Kuoni At Home’ dinner parties to promote its product in customers’ homes, and now hopes to develop more events in its shops to appeal to its client niche.
Distribution director Derek Jones said: “We are looking to develop themed evenings for exclusive art lectures. We have also got bookings lined up for more Kuoni At Home parties. Bringing the brand to the customer is working well and the stores give us this option.”
He claimed the shops were already attracting customers new to the brand. “There is a significant amount of incremental business, which has pushed back against concerns from independent agents.”
All Kuoni shop staff will be called personal travel advisers, bringing them in line with call centre staff. Shops already act as call centres, taking overflow calls from agents and consumers.
Jones added some agents had already made contacts with Kuoni shop consultants and were ringing them direct to make bookings. “Local agents have recognised that a great way to pick up a local contact is through a local Kuoni store,” he said.