Travel Department UK plans to work with more agents on the back of an expanded programme for next year with trade sales “beating all expectations”.
The escorted tours and group travel specialist, founded in Ireland almost 30 years ago, enhanced its UK distribution network last year with agents able to sell its holidays.
UK agents are already selling 2025 holidays following a soft launch and represent more than 35% of forward bookings, according to the operator.
Agent incentives, travel vouchers and prizes, as well as competitions to join future fam trips available to agent partners, feature alongside new destinations.
Departures are available from London, Belfast, Scotland and Dublin.
Travel Department works with agents to create bespoke overbranded direct mail campaigns, social media content and offers, according to UK general manager Stephen Mills.
The company has just hosted agents from Oasis Travel and Barrhead Travel on fam trips to Italy, joining holidaymakers and guides.
Mills said: “We partner with leading travel agents to offer exceptional holidays with incredible value from our departure points.
“Hosting our second agent fam in three months demonstrates our investment and belief in the sector, and how valuable our travel agent partners have become.”
He described 2023 as a “stepping stone” for the business.
“But with agent sales beating all expectations and 2024 sales being significantly up on last year, we are looking to strategically expand with the right partners.
“Our agent partners have an exceptional product, pricing and destinations available from our departure points, including Dublin in pound sterling.”