Mature travel specialist Grand UK Holidays has reported a “huge” rise in trade sales as it releases its latest brochure, with the reintroduction of ocean and river cruises.
The operator – part of The UK Holiday Group – has seen an increase in bookings via agents since the appointment in 2023 of travel trade manager Lyn Arnold.
Kirsty Laifa, sales and marketing manager, said: “Trade bookings are hugely up for us year on year – up by over 30% – as we have focussed more targeted efforts on training and visiting our top agents out and about.
“We continue to roll this out as 2025 progresses.
“We are happy to arrange training sessions within agencies and Lyn Arnold is happy to take on any training requirements.”
Laifa said overall sales so far in 2025 are more than 20% ahead year on year, with “encouraging” early bookings for the new river and ocean cruises.
The river cruises are offered in partnership with CroisiEurope, while the ocean cruises are offered with Ambassador Cruise Line.
“Solo travel remains a mainstay of our holidaymaker profile, with the take-up of our Good Companions product growing,” Laifa added.
A six-day river cruise on Botticelli, called Cruising the Meandering Seine – Paris and the D-Day Beaches, costs £1,299, departing August 18.
An eight-day ocean cruise, Gems of the English Channel, costs £641. It departs June 28 on Ambience.
The brochure also includes coach tours, plus holidays by train and air.
Pictured with the new brochure, from left: Kirsty Laifa and Lyn Arnold.
More: Grand UK Holidays appoints new sales and marketing manager