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Bales prepares for agent website
Long haul specialist Bales is preparing to launch an agent-bookable website as it unveiled a new-look 2006 worldwide programme.
The operator said it was in the process of reviewing its entire technology platform and would make an announcement shortly.
Central to the review are plans to launch an agent website early in 2006 and add a bookable tailor-made section to its existing consumer site.
Sales and marketing director Iain Fenton said: “We are still in discussions and while nothing is certain, an agent website is likely to come on line at the turn of the year. We hope to be in a position to give details in around six weeks.
“On our consumer site, it’s possible to book escorted tours but not tailor made product. There’s no doubt that some itineraries are too complex to book online and customers want and need to speak to a consultant. But equally there are some tailor-made tours that people will be prepared to book on the web.”
He said around 10% of its business is now booked online.
Meanwhile, the operator has added six destinations to its 2006 worldwide programme as it strives to broaden its customer base.
Belize, Antarctica, Iran, Mozambique, Falkland Islands and Lombok have all been introduced and feature a range of tailor made holidays and escorted tours. Bali has been re-introduced having been dropped following the 2002 bombings.
In addition, in a move to widen its appeal, a selection of tours will now be based on standard accommodation in addition to top-end properties
Managing director Mandy Nickerson said many would-be customers liked the itineraries but found the superior-quality hotels out of their price range.
“To broaden our customer base, some of our tours are now based on three and four star accommodation, in addition to five-star,” she said. “The itineraries are exactly the same, it’s just the accommodation is different.”
The brochure now features tours based on classic and superior hotels with a difference in price of up to £300.
Report by Steve Jones
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