Asia specialist to focus on travel trade
Insider Journeys is planning to strengthen its ties with the UK travel trade, which will become its main distribution channel.
The operator, previously known as Travel Indochina, will continue to service direct bookings, but it said it won’t be ‘actively pursuing direct business’ as it has done in the past.
New managing director Tony Maywell said: "In the past, we may have not placed enough value on the influence and power of the travel trade distribution network, particularly when it comes to selling destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan and Myanmar.
"We recognise there is great interest in our small group journey product amongst the travel trade, and are looking forward to engaging closely with them to enable them to offer their customers a range of unique packages that will deliver them significant returns."
Head of marketing Emily Hill said the operator’s direct business has been falling as a percentage of total sales.
"When we launched in the UK direct business was close to 50% of sales but this has dropped in recent times and we understand the power of agents and growth potential if we focus our efforts in on this channel," she added.
As part of its strategy, the operator is relocating to a new office in Paddington, and building a structure that will include an agents’ helpline team and a new industry support executive to assist its partners.
"They will be supported by our small team of dedicated professionals with in-depth product knowledge and passion who have been with us for many years," said Maywell.
At the same time, the company has announced it will no longer sell flights, leaving agents to book seats direct with airlines.
"As we focus on our strengths, we will no longer sell air, as we recognise that is what our partners are good at and the sale of general FIT options will be a secondary service as these are available in plentiful supply and are generally just driven by price," explained Maywell.
"Value is our mantra and that’s what our Small Group Journey’s provide to the clients of our travel agents and partners."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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