Agents ‘critical’ to success as The Travel Corporation outlines growth for touring and cruise 

The Travel Corporation (TTC) has pledged “substantial investment” in technology to support agents as part of a global growth plan for its touring and cruise divisions.

The group plans to better support trade partners through enhanced investment and global capability under newly appointed chief sales officer and deputy chief executive Melissa DaSilva, creating a centralised structure while maintaining local sales support.

DaSilva is “uniquely positioned” for the new challenge and understands the needs of travel agents, having worked in the retail travel agency side of the industry for the first 20 years of her career before joining TTC in 2013.

A key element to the trade growth strategy is expansion of the on-road sales team, creation of an inside sales team to cultivate new partners, as well as adding resources to streamline and expedite service support. 

A dedicated sales marketing function has also been created and 16 new roles will be added to the organisation, with a further eight filled from other areas of the business.

The TTC plan also includes “substantial investment” in its travel agent portal, white labels and APIs available to advisor partners to make accessing tour brands and river cruise and bookings “as seamless as possible”. 

A “deeper brand focus and clearer customer segmentation” will see investment into three segments:

Youth - led by Contiki

Mainstream - with Trafalgar leading Insight Vacations and Costsaver

Luxury - championed by Uniworld and extending to Luxury Gold

Da Silva said: “Our trade partners are critical to our success. 

“This plan is about ensuring our brands are easier to sell, better supported, and more competitively positioned in every market. 

“We’re investing in the systems, tools, and partnerships that help our trade community grow with us.”

Uniworld chief executive Ellen Bettridge added: “Our investment into technology, data and analytics will also enhance product innovation cycles based on global insights and market demand. 

“The focus on product scale also extends to expansion of the river cruise fleet, including increased Uniworld capacity and new ships to be added to the newly launched Trafalgar River offering.”