InteleTravel reported a 10.3% increase in average booking values as many advisors focussed on luxury sales in the first two weeks of January, compared with the same period last year.
The rise comes in addition to a 10% jump in sales during the same period with the top selling destinations including the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. Cruise holidays are now accounting for 10% of turnover, a 20% improvement on the first two weeks of January 2023.
Among the top 50 performing advisors, the average sale was £26,973 from January 1st to January 15th. The highest individual booking among the top 50 was £134,529 and the lowest was £14,696.
“Despite the decrease in general retail spend towards the end of 2023, customers want to confirm their holiday options early and take full advantage of great prices on offer,” said InteleTravel UK and Ireland managing director Tricia Handley-Hughes.
“Confidence in booking through a trusted travel advisor is definitely back, with an appreciation of the effort and time taken to secure the right holiday for customers.”
After hosting its first Luxury Summit in December, InteleTravel is now using Artificial Intelligence to streamline its back-office processes and free up more time for advisors to concentrate on selling holidays.
“Training and engagement remain the key to success,” said Handley-Hughes. “We’ve introduced a new dedicated training programme on key topics that will help advisors upsell, followed by a full year of confirmed partner activity.”
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls