A niche operator specialising in gulet cruises in Croatia and Montenegro is to work proactively with the trade for the first time.
Adriatic Holidays, founded 15 years ago, is contacting travel agency consortia, homeworkers and multiples to strike commercial deals.
The operator has taken on Richard Hey as trade development director as it looks to expand the business.
Hey, who previously worked for If Only and Abercrombie & Kent, said the operator had ambitious targets for agents to account for the majority of its sales within ‘two to three years’.
He said: “We want to expand in 2022 and 2023. We see the potential of working with the trade. From conversations we’ve had so far with agents, they love what we offer.
“We’ve never proactively worked with the trade but we’re experienced and well-known in destination. We know agents are looking for products that are different but straightforward to sell and something customers will not find on their own.”
The operator has brought out a 2022-2023 brochure featuring an agent section. It has set up a freephone telephone number for agent bookings and a Facebook group called Adriatic Holidays Trade. It offers price parity with its direct-sell trips.
Fam trips are planned for 2022 as well as incentives. Hey, the main point of contact for agents, also hopes to work with agents to run events nationwide.
“We’ll do everything we can to nurture and educate agents at every stage of the process,” Hey added.
In addition to gulet cruises, the operator has five villas in Montenegro, offering two to six bedrooms. All holidays are Atol-protected.
Its cruises carry 12 passengers and can be sold by the cabin or as a whole charter. The operator offers five gulet itineraries and clients can explore ports of call and go swimming, kayaking, fishing or snorkelling from the boats. A seven-night Highlights of Montenegro cruise costs from £999, including flights.