InteleTravel has reported that agents’ average booking values have hit record levels alongside a 10% rise in sales compared with the same period last year.
Average booking values rose by 10.3% in the first two weeks of January compared with the same two weeks of last year.
It comes after the homeworking franchise company encouraged agents to focus on luxury sales.
More:InteleTravel celebrates 50% growth in UK and Ireland sales revenue
Tricia Handley-Hughes (pictured), InteleTravel UK and Ireland’s managing director, said: “Confidence in booking through a trusted travel advisor is definitely back, with an appreciation of the effort and time taken to secure the right holiday for customers.”
The 10% rise in sales has been helped by top-selling destinations including the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean.
Cruises now account for 10% of turnover, InteleTravel reported, which is a 20% improvement on the first two weeks of January last year.
Among the 50 top-performing agents, the average sale between January 1-15 was £26,973, with the highest individual booking being £134,529 and the lowest £14,696.
Handley-Hughes said: “Despite the decrease in general retail spend towards the end of 2023, customers want to confirm their holiday options early and take full advantage of great prices on offer.”
After hosting its first Luxury Summit in December, InteleTravel said it is now using artificial intelligence to streamline its back-office processes and free up more time for agents to concentrate on selling holidays.
“Training and engagement remain the key to success,” said Handley-Hughes. “We’ve introduced a new dedicated training programme on key topics that will help advisors upsell, followed by a full year of confirmed partner activity.”