EasyJet holidays has launched a host of initiatives to support agents as it marks its first anniversary of working with the independent travel trade.
Since it started selling through agents on August 19, 2020, the operator has developed partnerships with more than 3,000 agencies.
To mark the occasion, a competition will be launched on the easyJet holidays agency Facebook page for three agents to win a holiday of their choice, to the value of £1,000.
Furthermore, the operator is encouraging customers to buy through the trade, by offering £100 discounts for packages booked through a local agent or homeworker, with a minimum spend of £700.
The company will also hold a live giveaway on its agency Facebook group today, with all agents who have made a booking since August 2020 automatically entered into the draw to win one of 15 places on a celebration fam trip.
The winning agents will stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife in November, thanks to a collaboration between easyJet holidays and Palladium Hotel Group.
Brad Bennetts, head of distribution, told a Travel Weekly webcast said the operator started working with the likes of Hays Travel, Midcounties Co-operative and Travel Counsellors and now has surpassed its target of 3,000 travel agency partners.
He said it has been challenging year amid the pandemic but added: “We are really grateful for the phenomenal support that we have seen from the trade.
“The support from the trade has exceeded any expectations. We are really grateful and proud to be marking this moment.”
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Garry Wilson, chief executive of easyJet holidays, said: “From the moment the new easyJet holidays business launched, there was always a commitment to work with the trade.
“We’ve been blown away by the response and support we’ve had from the trade…and we want to support them in return, especially after the challenges of the last 18 months.”
Dame Irene Hays, chair and owner of Hays Travel, said: “We were very pleased to be one of the first partners for easyJet holidays’ travel trade launch and have seen first-hand how committed they are to the independent travel trade and the high street.
“We’ve had a really positive response from our customers and from our agents alike, who really appreciate the support and incentives.”
Agents can use code CELEBRATE100 for £100 off holidays, with a minimum spend of £700, booked before 10pm on August 22.
Bennetts said: “The trade exclusive promotional code goes live at 9am. We are communicating that and advertising to B2C customers by press adverts and social media.
“We are encouraging direct customers to go into their local travel agent or homeworker and book a holiday. Hopefully that will drive customers who may have not have necessarily thought of booking with a travel agent.”