Kuoni’s parent DER Touristik UK has launched a new sub-brand focused on Asia.
Called Alfred& Asia by Kuoni, it is named after the company’s founder Alfred Kuoni.
It been set up to create ‘bespoke itineraries for independent travellers who are mindful of the impact of their travels and want to experience the destination in a purposeful and socially responsible way’.
A new website showcases experiences, suggested itineraries and inspirational articles but does not offer online booking.
Instead it guides browsers to call one of six experts in a team led by Claire Ross, head of specialist products.
Ross said: "This has been a year in the making and is part of our strategy to grow sales of complex, tailor-made travel. Asia is a part of the world where we see huge opportunities to grow. The region is currently served by Kuoni’s escorted touring programme and a collection of premium beach resorts and tours with our specialist sister company Jules Verne, but does not currently have an independent travel collection."
Derek Jones, CEO DER Touristik UK, added: "We added Journey Latin America to our collection in 2018, which has demonstrated the value of having a specialist division which knows a specific part of the world inside out.
"We’re committed to identifying new opportunities, looking forward at the trends in travel and investing in developing new businesses organically or acquiring businesses when we find something we know fits our vision. Our plan is that we will expand Alfred& to other parts of the world."
