Online travel agency The Adventure People has recruited a trade development manager as the company has developed its own range of tours which it aims to sell via travel agents.
Jamie Rudland (pictured right) joined in October, tasked with building relationships with agents and increasing trade sales. He will meet agents, offer training and send regular updates to the agency community.
His career includes 14 years with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines in several roles and he has also worked in sales for Celebrity Cruises. More recently he spent two years with Wendy Wu Tours, as international sales manager.
Ex-Travel Republic and Love Holidays commercial director Chris Roche (left) founded The Adventure People in 2017 and is the chief executive.
He said the company is “eager to collaborate with agents” to promote its newly developed portfolio of more than 40 itineraries.
The range is set to expand in the coming months, providing even more options for agents and their customers, added Roche.
Travel agents can register for access to The Adventure People’s dedicated online platform to make bookings for the tours, which can also be packaged with flights.
As well as “competitive” commission, The Adventure People aims to offer several fam trips in 2025 and “attractive” incentives. The fams being planned will visit Sri Lanka, Croatia, Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp.
Roche said: “This was the natural next step for us. Many of the tours we sold were effectively being operated by us already, so creating our own operation allows us to work directly with the trade.
“We believe the wonderful community of travel agents will play a pivotal role in helping customers enjoy magical experiences through our tours.
“Our itineraries stand out not just in their inclusions, like meals and immersive experiences, but in their connection to local people and cultures.
“We’ve also made things simple for agents by allowing packaging our tours with flights, all bookable on our newly launched website.”
Rudland added: “I will be responsible for all trade partnerships, across retail distribution and homeworking channels, ensuring our wonderful agents have everything they need in order to help them grow sales.
“I’ll be in charge of all training, via social media, webinars, face-to-face store visits and fam trips, distribution, account management and integrating new accounts while develop existing relationships.”
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