Coles brings Club Med experience to Mark Warner
Ex-Club Med executive Justin Coles has joined Mark Warner as agency sales manager.
He joins the holiday club operator after two years in non-travel retail but brings 11 years experience in sales and marketing at Club Med in the UK to his new role.
Coles aims to increase agency sales by between 5-10% over 2005 levels through “improved communication and training” with a target of receiving 30% of business via the trade.
The operator’s agency sales department will be restructured to become more office-based “as this will enable the team to react more quickly to new sales initiatives,” a statement said.
“Mark Warner is also reviewing its current product training methods in order to make them more self-train friendly and will re-instate the company’s dedicated travel agent website at the earliest opportunity, “ the company added.
“Other initiatives such as educationals, agent promotions and point of sale material are planned for the future.”
Andrea Parkinson continues to work as northern sales manager, supporting the company’s regional departure programme.
Mark Warner is also looking to recruit more staff in its reservations department to handle a larger number of calls more quickly.
Coles said: “After many years working in this area of the market, I have always been impressed by the reputation of the Mark Warner product and am looking forward to raising the trade profile. We are maximising our resources in order to deliver the best possible service to the trade and we hope agents will be pleased.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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