flextravel reports 30% bookings hike

FLEXTRAVEL, the new umbrella brand for Tradewinds, Jetset and Jetset Flights, has reported a 30% hike in bookings in the first week of this year.

The increase, in a market currently 20%-30% down, comes as Tradewinds launches its first ever Mega Deals brochure of special offers to take on Kuoni’s Selection brochure. Within Airtours’ Flextravel division, Jetset has also seen US bookings increase by 35% during the first week of this month, although Asia remains the consistent best seller overall.

Tour operations managing director Chris Townson said: “Our top-selling holiday last week was a three-night break in New York. Sales went through the roof.”

He attributes this in part to the recent shake up of the brands’ product mix and improved communication with agents over the past six months.

Meanwhile, Tradewinds hopes to claw sales from rival Kuoni with the launch of Mega Deals featuring early-booking deals for departures made before February 28.

Savings of up to £1,610 per couple are available based on a 14-night stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa if booked by the end of next month.

Under the Flextravel restructure, Tradewinds has been positioned as the long-haul pre-packaged brand to directly rival Kuoni, while Jetset is the tailor-made operator taking on the likes of Travel 2, Gold Medal and Premier.

Townson said the focus for this year would be expanding the Tradewinds and Jetset brands within their different markets. “Now we have two clear brands and a strategy to match,” he added.

Flextravel does not feature on the brochures but has been used within the trade to give the operators increased buying and negotiating power. It has also seen the merging of the operators’ in-house marketing, public relations and sales departments.

Other new brochures are Tradewinds Worldwide second edition, Tradewinds Weddings first edition, Jetset Far East second edition, and Jetset USA first edition.