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Travel Network Group launches cruise operator
The Travel Network Group is to launch its own cruise tour operator, promising its agent members access to exclusive product.
It said the Cruise Club Concierge would help them to compete in their local markets.
It will be launched to TNG’s 254 cruise club members in early June 2017 and will feature a range of cruises, including exclusive product only available to the group
It will also offer a new in-resort 24-hour ‘concierge’ phone service.
Available product will include ‘cruise and stay’ holidays and hosted cruises.
CEO Gary Lewis said: "Our strategy is all about achieving growth for our members and today’s announcement completely underpins this.
"This new cruise tour operator proposition is all about offering members cruise product that is developed, managed and marketed by us, and aims to help them build their cruise business locally.
"This strategic investment is about providing members with a long-term solution to meet their cruise needs.
"With the forthcoming changes to the package travel regulations, members have been asking for a platform that will help them compete more effectively in this sector, whilst using our ATOL, and this is exactly what the new Cruise Club Concierge will offer."
The new venture will be headed by marketing director Si Morris-Green, who has over 10 years’ experience of the cruise sector. He will supported by a team who will be responsible for managing product and providing marketing support to members.
The group will also offer 24/7 back office support to agents.
"Through developing this cruise tour operator it will also allow us to build on our already strong relationships with the cruise companies we work with," added Lewis.
"The ones we have spoken to about this new offering have been incredibly supportive and positive and see it as another form of distribution for their product.
"We also feel the timing of this launch is perfect, given that the outlook for the cruise sector remains robust."
Brochures will be produced for members to use in-store and national advertising will be rolled out from next month.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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