Classic Collection agent feedback forum Classic Connect was initiated this week on a trip to Andalusia with a pledge to maintain “laser-like” focus on the trade.
Agency owners were among 16 travel industry professionals joining the operator at the five-star Hotel La Zambra near Mijas.
Millington Travel, Not Just Travel, Triangle Travel, Experience It Now Travel, Seaside Travel, Premier Travel, Dawson and Sanderson, Love to Travel, Jimmy Martin Travel and Now Let’s Travel were represented.
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Speaking at the launch event, B2B director Si Morris-Green said: “Classic Connect will be an open and honest forum where agent and operator come together to exchange ideas, views and industry insights in a spirit of collaboration and co-operation.
“Classic has a near four decade legacy of being agent-friendly, but since our restructure in May we have become 100% trade-focussed.”
He admitted: “The transition has not been without its challenges, so we wanted to regroup with some of our key partners to outline our future plans with regards to service levels, product developments, joint marketing ventures and agent incentives.
“Since our restructure we’re operating as a smaller business but we’ve absolutely no intention of curtailing our agent activity, investment and engagement.
“From bespoke marketing support to suit individual agents’ business models to fam trips, holiday giveaways, entertainment and an enhanced industry-leading incentive scheme, we’re putting our agent partners at the front and centre of everything we do.’
Classic Connect forums will be held quarterly in venues around the UK and overseas.
Between 15 and 20 business owners and senior managers will be hosted by the operator at each event. Members of Classic’s management team will attend all sessions.
Morris-Green added: “Following our restructure we’re a smaller and more agile company with a laser-like focus on providing our travel trade partners with the support they need to build sales and retain customers.”