Travelpack has joined the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers to showcase its expertise in the sector to travel agents.
The operator is also increasing its headcount, with three business development managers in the pipeline, in addition to its current team of two.
Overall, the workforce is expanding from about 150 to 170-180 by the end of the year – with plans for a further 50 staff next year depending on its progress in 2024.
Vishal Patel, managing director, said the operator had joined Atas because it wanted to promote its strengths in touring, especially with tailormade itineraries.
“We work with such a wide range of suppliers…whether it’s a tour and a cruise, or a tour and a beach stay, or adding another tour in another country with flight combinations – where there’s a level of complexity, we can flourish.
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“We can make it cost-effective because we work with a wide range of airlines, and we sell worldwide.
“If you are going, for example, to South America, you might like to do a city break in the US while you’re going that way.”
He said the BDMs offer training via webinars and trade events, as well as shop visits.
“We have the agency at the heart of every decision we make. We are all about service…that personal relationship is really important,” he added.
“We’re not so big that we can’t manoeuvre…but big enough to make an impact.
“Joining Atas is a good move for us because it gives us dedicated time and space to talk about something we’re passionate about and we have a love for – the tailor-made aspect of touring as well as small groups.”
Travelpack will also unveil a new trade website in about two months’ time, with access to an expanded product range.
A major element of the revamp will be the introduction of bookable tailor-made cruise packages and rail, plus an expanded range of accommodation.
The operator is also expanding its tailor-made options in Latin America and has just recruited a product manager for the region.
“We work with expedition cruise lines and cruise is a growing side of the business,” noted Patel.
He continued: “I don’t think people realise the value of tours [and] the amount of resource that goes into these tours.
“The key is: how do you get that across the consumer and how do travel agents convey that value?”
Claire Brighton, Atas director, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Travelpack to Atas. They have a fabulous range of destinations and plenty of expertise in tailor-making itineraries, so our agents will have no end of options for their clients’ every need.
“With a new website, fresh products and three BDMs in the pipeline, there is a lot of exciting news for Travelpack to share with our members in the coming months and into 2025.”