Trade-only luxury tour operator Lusso has launched a Europe programme and recruited a dedicated marketing manager for the first time in its 11-year history.
The programme will focus on holiday destinations most regularly requested by UK travel agents, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey.
Managing director James Weaver said Europe had been the most requested region to add to its portfolio “for many years”.
“We established Lusso to support independent travel agents and will always strive to listen to their feedback and react to their changing needs, which is why I’m so delighted to be adding this much-wanted product to our offering,” he said.
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“Over the last 12 months we’ve done our utmost to support our team, our travel agent partners and their clients. The pandemic has been a significant test to all tour operators, yet the feedback we’ve had from so many agents thanking us for going above and beyond has made it all worthwhile.
“I am immensely proud of our team and their efforts this past 12 months and have no doubt that agents will benefit hugely from our new Europe programme.”
The programme was created by Lusso’s Europe and Africa product manager, Vanessa Dean, who spent seven years at Carrier as Europe product manager and, before that, several years selling luxury Europe holidays.
She said: “I am thrilled we have added Europe to Lusso’s existing product portfolio. Although a short hop away, Europe is a continent brimming with diverse cultures, fascinating history, mouth-watering cuisine, breathtaking natural scenery and some of the finest hotels and resorts in the world.
“Our hotel partners in Europe are excited to be working with Lusso and our excellent network of travel agent partners. And our reservations team are eager to share their knowledge of this much-loved holiday region.”
The new programme comes alongside the appointment of Pete Mathers as marketing manager as the operator seeks to further support the trade.
Mathers has worked for several luxury tour operators as both marketing manager and product manager. He was also a senior account manager at a travel PR agency and the general manager of a luxury hotel in Sri Lanka.
“As we look to the future, we are keen to support our agents further in terms of the marketing output we provide and are delighted to welcome Pete to the team with the experience he will bring to the role,” Weaver said.
Mathers added: “It’s been an excruciatingly tough year for the travel industry and it’s wonderful to be joining a team that puts travel agents front and centre, and one so highly regarded within the industry.
“I’ve been hugely impressed by how Lusso has weathered the current crisis, protecting its own staff and supporting its travel agent partners. Now, with some light at the end of the tunnel at last, we can’t wait to get started on a host of exciting new marketing initiatives.”
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