Members of the Hays Independence Group have been encouraged to sell more touring and adventure holidays to help boost their profitability.
This year’s annual overseas conference in the Algarve heard how the sector has gone from “strength to strength” since the pandemic, according to Claire Gibson, head of commercial.
She said the margin and profit per passenger is “very good” and suppliers offer “great” commission rates.
“It is a fantastic product to sell,” she told delegates.
“Customers, coming out of Covid, are looking for adventure and touring.
“It is one of the fastest growing and in-demand products. Customers want to live in the moment.”
She showed a video from the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) showing the diversity of holidays available.
Gibson told Hays IG members how Atas can support agents selling touring and adventure holidays, and dispel myths about the sector.
She said about 76% of clients are aged over 50, who “appear to be less affected” by cost-of-living concerns.
“Holidays are a number one priority; they still want to see the world so make sure you appeal to those customers,” she said.
Hays IG produced 55,000 copies of a Best Of Touring brochure in September 2022 and hopes to publish another one later this year.
Hayley Morris, head of trade sales at Titan Travel, and Adam Deane, agency sales executive at Titan, said their holidays had seen “unprecedented” demand, especially during peaks in January.
They told delegates that lots of tours for 2023 are now full and 2024 tours launching in May – but customers will still need to book early to secure the holiday they want.
Four executives from Classic Collection and Classic Package Holidays also spoke to members about their product range.
Si Morris-Green, agency sales and marketing director at Classic Collection, and his colleague, Phil Shipman – head of sales north – highlighted how they were seeing some vey high-value enquiries for private jet and yacht holidays.
Jorge Quibell and Emma Rodgers showcased Classic Package Holidays’ product, saying Egypt and Morocco were “selling very well”.
Amanda Matthews (Designer Travel) was given a special award as her agency was Classic’s top contributing partner.