Leger Holidays is doubling its retail sales department and will conduct research among 2000 agents as it launches an aggressive plan to attract new customers to the coaching market.
A retail sales manager and area sales manager will be appointed in the south to focus on its top 660 agents, while two telesales agents will be appointed in Yorkshire. The company already has an on-the-road sales force.
Leger retail sales director Peter Raynor said the investment would ensure better, more personal communication with travel agents.
In a further move, the coach operator has hired marketing company The Network to conduct market research among 2000 agents, introduce the trade to new products and generally raise the profile of Leger.
“We are not just looking for growth from existing sector-savvy travellers, we are confident of tapping into customers who have yet to experience Leger Holidays, coaching holidays or one of our other specialist breaks,” said Raynor.
He said the operator, which runs European battlefield holidays and operates to Disneyland Paris Resorts, was looking to break into other specialist areas.
Commenting on The Network, Raynor said: “The data gathered and the face-to-face contact will not only raise and maintain Leger’s profile around the UK but will also help us gain a great deal more incite into how we can better support agents.”
Report by Steve Jones
