Major Travel to introduce tailor-made cruise package function

Major Travel is set to introduce a tailor-made cruise package facility for agents as it targets a sixfold increase in the proportion of its total bookings from the sector.

The trade-only operator already offers cruise-and-stay holidays but is planning to enable agents to build tailored cruise packages featuring flights, transfers and hotel stays.

Managing director Qasim Gulamhusein said the enahanced cruise offering was due to be ready by December or earlier.

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“What we wanted to do with cruise is not just what everyone else does,” he said. “We wanted to do something a bit different where you can tailor-make your package for cruise on the website.”

Major Travel had historically been “quite good on cruise”, Gulamhusein said, until it decided to focus on other sectors, with the result that its cruise sales currently represent only about 5% of business.

However, Rute Magalhaes, head of commercial at Major Travel, said there has lately been a recognition that agents are “crying out” for the ability to book cruise packages on an online portal.

“I think it’s probably one of the most exciting projects, because I think it’s going to fill a need – particularly with homeworkers who are very self-sufficient,” she said.

Gulamhusein said he hoped cruise would account for 20%-30% of sales in the next 18 months.

In addition to being able to book through the website, agents will also be able to call Major Travel’s cruise specialists. The operator will focus on selling ocean cruise lines initially, before adding river cruise in the next six months.

The InteleTravel-owned company also revealed it would be introducing a luxury brand called Club Atlas in the first half of next year.

The brand, which is expected to launch in April, will feature five-star accommodation, premium transfers, fast-track at UK airports, personalised meet-and-greet services, day-by-day itineraries and digital documentation.

Luxury cruise options are also set to feature, Magalhaes said.