USAirtours’ March bookings have matched 2019 for the first time while the operator has introduced a sales support team to help agents.
The trade-only tour operator said it has already achieved sales revenue of £26 million for its financial year ending September 2022.
The company thanked the trade for its loyal support during the challenging pandemic period, when its main destination, the US, was closed for 20 months and it had to cut its workforce from 83 to 32.
Chief executive Guy Novik admitted it had been hard to keep the company running “in the toughest of circumstances”.
“While some mistakes were made, we did our best at the time and have been rewarded with the loyal support from so many agents for which we are both proud and grateful,” he said.
He added: “As one of the few trade only tour operators remaining, we are totally reliant on the amazing support that we have received from travel agents.
“This pandemic has been incredibly tough for the whole travel industry and my heart goes out to those agencies and tour operators who had to close their doors forever.”
The operator has now introduced a new sales support team, which sits between sales and customer service.
The three-strong team will help agents make amendments to existing bookings that were previously handled in customer service. The customer service team will continue to handle the administration process, including ticketing and sending out travel documents.
“It will be easier for agents to contact us and get the service they need,” he said.
As part of its Supporting Agents Supporting Us programme, bespoke webinars will be arranged for agents as well as increased booking incentives and marketing support.
Novik stressed the company was committed to “supporting and working exclusively with travel agents”.
It plans to launch a number of promotions this year to mark the company’s 40th anniversary.
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