Kuoni has launched a button on its website to connect browsers to specialist travel experts covering all holiday destinations.
The click and connect retail initiative enables holidaymakers to chat, e-mail or phone more than 150 travel experts based in Kuoni shops or John Lewis concessions across the UK, specialising in all regions from Asia to Africa and the Indian Ocean to America.
It does not extend to Kuoni homeworkers, or to its call centre staff who focus on agent sales.
Derek Jones, Kuoni managing director, said: "Click and Collect is a growing phenomenon in retail. But travel needs a different approach. For us it’s about creating a connected and seamless shopping experience – uniting online, call centre and in-store.
"Unlike hotel rooms or flights which are simple to click and book online, all our experience shows long-haul and complex travel itineraries and cruises need a combination of useful and inspiring online content combined with back up of a real travel expert to convert web browsers into bookers."
The operator says early indications show an increased demand for worldwide holidays in 2014, with bookings up year on year with Vietnam, Cuba, Mexico and the Maldives selling well so far.
