Inside Travel Group says a new dedicated trade team has already proved its worth for agents who needed immediate help during the recent Heathrow shutdown.
The operator created the nine-strong trade team after enjoying its best trade sales in the first quarter of 2025.
The move is in recognition of the increase in trade sales and importance of agents in the distribution mix for its tour operator brands InsideJapan and InsideAsia and means agents can consistently deal with the same travel consultant to build up a strong sales relationship rather than speaking to different members of the team.
The team is comprised existing Japan and Asia sales consultants, now be purely focused on the trade. All have worked for the company for at least two years and have a combined 35 years of living in Japan.
It is led by senior team leader Claire Brothers, who has worked for Inside Travel Group for 11 years.
She said the advantage of a dedicated team had been shown during the fallout from the Heathrow airport closure.
“Last week’s Heathrow crisis also allowed us to show our value as a single point of contact, helping agents and their customers at a time when they might feel slightly helpless,” she said.
Head of trade Gabo Quiros said the creation of the team showed the group’s commitment to the trade.
He said: “Our trade partners are huge for us and together with the incredible popularity of Japan right now, we want to make it easier for our agents to make those sales.
“By providing a single point of contact, we won’t be passing agents around, which will allow the expert and agent to build a bond and ensure a more efficient sale and all-round better experience.”
The operator also has business development managers Holly Brown and Charlie Orr, who offer training opportunities to agent partners nationwide.
Quiros added: “The trade team has been evolving and developing over the last six months, but as we come out of peak booking season, we are keen to shout about them and their amazing work.
“The good work is reflected as we have seen the biggest trade sales ever in the first quarter of 2025. It has been a big year for trade at Inside Travel and with the agent team in place, it will only get bigger.”
The operator recently announced its biggest-ever agent incentive with the launch of its Agent Insider campaign to earn a trip valued at £25,000.