Nottingham-based agency CT4N Travel is offering the services of its Greek island-hopping brand to fellow members of Protected Trust Services.
The company moved to PTS eight months ago because its brand, called The Greek Specialist, was becoming a major part of its business.
Now, in response to queries from other members, it is introducing the brand to others in the group, said director Chris Wouldhave.
“We moved to PTS as The Greek Specialist – our Greek holiday and island-hopping niche brand – was becoming such a huge part of our business and we needed more flexibility to be able to service our customers and enquiries better,” he said.
“PTS offered us the greatest flexibility to run our business the way we wanted but still with the support if we needed it. They also showed the most interest in helping us grow the brand.
“We have had record sales since joining PTS. Compared to last year, we have beaten every single month both for sales, commissions and the margin level.
“It was a natural progression to roll out The Greek Specialist to [other PTS members. Hopefully, we can help them assist their customers and establish a good working relationship with them.”
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He said joining PTS enabled the agency to have Atol protection on the itineraries for up to 1,000 passengers.
“Many of our enquiries are multiple segments – they can easily reach up to 15 or 20 segments on one booking – which include flights, transfers, ferries, accommodation,” he said.
“We have to mix and match so that we can offer the customer the best experience for their holiday.”
CT4N has also signed up to a ferry global distribution system (GDS) enabling it to print ferry tickets for customers in the UK.
“It means the customers don’t need to find a local agent in their [holiday] location to go and collect them. They can simply turn up at the port and get on the ferry,” said Wouldhave.
He said tourism to Greece bounced back strongly since the end of Covid restrictions, so the destination saw record numbers in 2022 and 2023 is on track to be even better.
This year is seeing more boutique accommodation options and ferry routes available for tourists, he said.
“There has also been an increase in the options for flights giving more alternatives for customers,” he added.
“Customers definitely want more of an experience and are being a bit more adventurous.”
The Greek Specialist features 80 islands and Wouldhave has visited 53 of them himself.
“My favourite group through is definitely the Cyclades as it is so easy to island hop,” he commented.
The company now has five members of staff – four in the Nottingham office and one homeworker.
CT4N Travel and its brands are part of a charity called the CT4N Charitable Trust, which provides transportation to help tackle social isolation and promote community cohesion in Nottinghamshire area.
Profits from CT4N Travel and its brands go to the charity to help it achieve its charitable aims.