Kuoni’s trade platform launches with more than 1,500 agents registered

More than 1,500 travel agents have signed up to use Kuoni’s new trade platform as it goes live.

Kuoni announced the new trade platform for third-party travel agents two weeks ago. The site, kuoniconnect.co.uk, boasts an AI sales coach and support communications via WhatsApp for the first time.

The number of pre-registrations ahead of its launch today, November 20, means the operator has already surpassed its target of onboarding 1,000 agents in the first six months.

The tour operator is now urging trade partners to access the site and complete its online training modules.

Head of trade partnerships Sarah Weetman said the response from agents so far demonstrated strong engagement and excitement about the platform across the trade.

She said: “Today’s launch marks a really exciting moment for Kuoni and our trade partners.

“We’ve built Kuoni Connect around making life easier for partners – giving them everything they need in one place, with support that’s fast, personal and tailored to the way they work.

“The response so far has been incredible, and we can’t wait to see trade partners explore the platform and start their online training.”

Some of Kuoni’s selected trade partners have already tested the platform’s first AI sales coach Kora, who is on hand to answer questions about the operator’s top-selling property Kuramathi in the Maldives.

Feedback from agents has been positive, according to Kuoni, and included comments on the value of Kora in real sales situations with suggestions on how to pitch the destination to clients and strong answers on how the resort compares to others.

Kora will be rolled out to other properties in the near future.

Trade partners are now being encouraged to complete the beginner training modules within the Learning Lounge section to become a ‘Kuoni Insider’ – the first step towards ‘expert status’.

Agents who complete the training by December 21 will be entered into a prize draw to win a RingConn Gen 2 smart ring, a wearable device that tracks sleep, stress, vitals and activity. Five smart rings will be given away in total, with one winner announced each week until December 21.

As well as training resources, the new trade platform also includes  offers, marketing content, news and booking tools for agents as well as information on the Kuoni brand to build agents’ confidence and the tools to create their own sales and promotional materials.