26 March 2009

German operator targets trade under new m-d

Dertour is targeting the trade to help grow its business with plans to double sales in the next five years.

The specialist operator to Germany has named a new managing director and is developing an online booking system to launch before the end of the year.

A range of new products is also being created.

Julie Craig takes the helm from Mike Adams, moving from running her own school and groups tour operator Equity Travel for more than 15 years.

Trade support will include more educational trips, agent evenings, 50/50 marketing support on advertising and window posters.

The operator also expects growth to come from river cruising.

Craig said: "Our aim going forward is to provide agents with the product, knowledge and support they need to increase sales of our products.

"We know this year will be tough and we want to support agents through it.

"Over the next couple of years Germany provides some real opportunities to generate sales and if agents are clever and proactive, I believe the demand will be there.

"In November this year, it is the 20^th anniversary of the falling of the Berlin Wall and next year the Oberammergau Passion Play, which takes place every 10 years, will both be a major focus for us. "We understand that some of the younger travel agents may be unaware of the significance of these events and we will be working hard with them to build their knowledge."

She added that river cruising was an "undiscovered but growing area" for Dertour.

"We have a dedicated brochure and this year will be extending the programme," she said.

"We aim to grow on last year’s trial of the new concept in river cruising with the Premicon Queen product which is ideal for targeting top end customers. I see this as an area that will continue to grow and develop going forward."