Agents shifting towards full packages, say Flexibletrips
Increasing numbers of agents are building full packages rather than booking individual elements of a holiday, dynamic packaging specialist Flexibletrips has claimed.
Latest figures produced by the Thomas Cook-owned operator show packages represent 60% of its business from agents, compared to just 21% immediately following its launch in November 2004.
Flexibletrips head of worldwide sales Stephen Vaughan said training was one of the factors behind the growth.
“In its infancy, dynamic packaging was understandably perceived by agents as a tool for hotel only or city break bookings,” he explained. “By investing in training and support and regular communications with the trade, we have enabled more agents to embrace and understand the benefits of dynamic packaging.”
Growing awareness of dynamic packaging by customers – though still minimal, according to observers – is also fuelling the growth, claimed Vaughan.
He described British travellers as “savvy” who know holidays are no longer constrained to seven or 14 nights.
“They know that if they want to fly on a low cost carrier from their local airport for 10, 12, 16 or any other length of duration, that flexibility now exists,” he said.
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