Tui has bolstered its trade team with nine appointments, bringing the group total to 17 people.
Four new trade relations managers will visit agencies across the UK to “ensure all independent travel agents who want to sell more Tui holidays have the knowledge and tools they need,” the company said.
Gavin Enever will cover the north of England, Kerri Rasberry the Midlands, Siobhan Bosket Northern Ireland and Craig Moffat Scotland.
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They will report into new senior trade relations manager Holly Wood, who will also cover the south of England.
Meanwhile, three executives have joined the trade relations team: David Shelford, Corrie Edwards and Kirsty Reid, who will all report into trade relations support manager Hayley Vaughan.
Deborah Crannage has been appointed as Tui training delivery manager, responsible for all agent training requirements across the UK.
The appointments follow a call by Tui’s marketing chief Neil Swanson for independent travel agents to work with the operator after it overhauled its commercial terms, service standards and relationship with the trade in a wholesale change in approach to third-party distribution.
“The new Tui trade team is ready to hit the ground running and get out meeting independent agents ahead of the turn of year booking period,” said Swanson.
“But this isn’t just for Christmas, it’s a long-term commitment and we are here to stay.
“The team are working on their plans for 2024 and beyond the ensure they are building strong and sustainable relationships with our independent agent partners.”
He added: “We have put a lot of time and investment into building an industry leading trade team. We can’t wait to get out there and further support our agent partners.”