Stag and Hen do trip specialist Red7 Holidays will turn to the trade as it bids to expand its expertise in experiential group holidays to a broader audience.
The Brighton-based operator has taken on former Club 18-30 boss Teresa Nicholson, who starts in the role today, to spearhead growth as it looks to grow beyond its pre-wedding trip speciality.
Initially Nicholson told Travel Weekly she would look to open up this niche sector, which is considered to be more of a direct sell market, to the trade.
Then she plans to broaden the product mix to establish Red7 as the marketing leading operator for 24-40-year-olds looking for something above and beyond the traditional package.
“My main priority will be to open up our expert service to the trade to help then take the hassle out of booking complex trips,” said Nicholson.
“It makes sense to use our knowledge and expertise to help travel agents’ customer who want the sort of holidays we offer but don’t know who to turn to.
“We specialise in tailor-making everything that they want to do, that’s currently what we are market leading in doing.
“So we’ll give agents to opportunity to tap into a market that they are probably losing out to other specialists or people doing it themselves at the moment.
“The high street is probably key because hen and stag groups do tend to go to retail premises en masse to try to source something that’s suitable for all of them.”
Nicholson said the trade will be offered commercial deals to sell Red7 holidays, either working on a commission or nett rate model.
Although it won’t publish traditional brochures it will produce marketing material to showcase its product and offer online bookability for agents as well as call centre support.
Red7 will target young people who want more than just a simple fly and flop break but who are looking to mix relaxation with some of the trendiest party experiences available.
It provides bespoke group activities like VIP access to some of the world’s hottest clubs, private yacht hire or just somewhere to sip cocktails at sunset, arriving in style in luxury transfers.
The firm will market its trips to all sorts of groups from extended families, to couples and friends travelling together at is diversifies what it does, said Nicholson.
“Red 7 was the perfect opportunity for me to utilise my skills and knowledge from working for 10 plus years in a large corporate environment.
“I can put some of that experience into practice with an independent business with huge ambition and desire to grow.
“I’m coming onboard to grow in other markets. Red7 Holidays will be a broader umbrella name associated with more experiential-led vacations.”