The Travel Network Group launches Cruise Club TV
The Travel Network Group is poised to launch Cruise Club TV to drive more deals to its Cruise Club members.
The service, announced at the
group’s conference, will go live on June 28. The group has signed a one-year contract for the channel. There are currently 123 Cruise
Club agents, who enjoy access to exclusive deals and marketing. The group already broadcasts
Worldchoice TV, a service that will switch from the Ideal World TV channel to Hochanda at the end of June, for its Worldchoice agents. Marketing director Si Prentice
said: “This is all about driving deals to members. TV is a phenomenal way to bring products into people’s living rooms.” The new Cruise Club channel
will have a presenter and include agents talking about the cruise market as well as holiday deals. Prentice expects most deals to come as a result of viewers visiting or contacting their travel agency the next day, although there will also be an 0800 number advertised
123
Number of members in the group’s Cruise Club
which will route calls to one of the group’s call centres or to members. “People tend to go to our
website after watching and find their nearest member and go in to see them [to book],” he said. The group has also launched
an online directory for its Travel Trust Association tour operator members to showcase their products to agents and consumers. The site is at
TTAholidays.co.uk. In addition, a free text message
service has been introduced to market offers to agents’ clients. Since its launch three months ago, between 40 and 50 agents have signed up to the service, which involves head office sending tailored deals to members’ clients. “It allows them to get a message out quickly,” said Prentice.
Group vows to seal more exclusive deals
The Travel Network Group has pledged to drive higher profits for members by using its “significant scale” to command more exclusive deals from suppliers. The group, whose members collectively make £2 billion worth of sales a year, has contracts with 183 business partners. Finance and commercial director Vim Vithaldas told members:
“We want to drive more profit into your businesses. Business partners are realising the value of what we do and more and more we are getting exclusive deals given to us. We have got significant scale in the marketplace and we want to leverage that.”
HOW WAS THE CONFERENCE?
“It was a really good experience. We have lots of events and ship visits planned
as a result of the meetings at the business partners’ forum. I sell a lot of Celebrity’s cruises but I had never been on one of their ships and I thought the cabins were spot on.” Ian Bates, manager, Worldchoice Travel Shrewsbury
“The conference exceeded our expectations: we have been wowed
throughout and it’s been great to have it on a ship. The networking has been really useful and we got something from everyone we met. I feel we have built good relationships.” Andrea James, manager, Peter Goord Travel
Speaker: Choose your attitude
Guest speaker Debra Searle urged delegates to “choose their attitude” to achieve their goals. Searle rowed solo across the Atlantic after her husband and rowing partner had to be rescued due to ill health. She spent three- and-a-half months alone at sea, encountering 30-foot waves, storms and sharks. “My sister told me to choose my attitude,” she said. “If we choose the right attitude, anything is possible.”
“Being on this ship for the conference is amazing and I found the speakers
inspiring. Everything Hamish Taylor [speaker] said to do I’m already doing, so I felt elated.” Andrew Rowdon, director, Andrew Rowdon Travel
“I’ve sold cruise for 20 years but I have never been on a ship. The staff were so friendly and
the food five-star. Chris Moon [speaker] was inspirational.” Rob Kenton, managing director, Triangle Travel
12 May 2016
travelweekly.co.uk 17
PICTURES: STEVE DUNLOP
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