p20 operators May 29 26/5/09 16:11 Page 20
Operators
Rupert Murray
020 7921 8010
rmurray@ttglive.com
For the latest operator and supplier news, visit
ttglive.com/operators
Expanding Sunisle
seeks trade’s help
Rupert Murray.
SUNISLE Holidays is turning to the trade McKenna will pay agents about
in an effort to maintain significant 10% commission, and he stressed the
growth. importance of never undercutting.
The eight-year-old operator has to “The agents need to know their
date relied almost entirely on direct-sell price can’t be beaten online. And any
and has seen bookings more than special offers I have will be sold through
double in the last couple of years. them, not through the website.” are shying away from marketing spend, though
But managing director Nick McKenna Sunisle carried 3,000 passengers last year, he believes there has never been a more
(pictured) believes trusted independent agents mostly to villas in the Greek islands. important time to be promoting.
could be the key to even more significant growth. Expansion plans are in place, with destinations “Also, our product is good quality and our
“We have spent the last year dipping our toe such as Morocco, the Canary Islands and ski service excellent, so a high percentage of
in the trade water and now feel like we under- resorts in its sights. customers come back – this fits in nicely with
stand the key to working with agents,” he added. And while many operators are struggling good agents whose customers trust them and
“It is all about strong relationships. I want to Sunisle claimed that it was enjoying an return year after year.”
get a small number of agents on board so that “incredible” May.
we can build a close relationship with them.” McKenna believes this is because competitors ■
sunisle.co.uk/agents.asp
Operator adds UK Xmas tours
Glenton buoyed by
sun and sterling
GRAND UK Holidays has introduced UK tours of
Christmas markets to its winter programme for COACH specialist Glenton Holidays is seeing
the first time. bookings soar thanks to the weak pound and
The over-55s specialist has added 10 domestic Met Office predictions of a long, hot summer.
Christmas markets to complement its traditional The operator said it was enjoying record-
range of Continental festive tours. breaking growth, with passenger sales 25%
The operator expects Yuletide celebrations ahead of last year and still rising.
in cities such as Manchester, York, Nottingham Commercial director Steve Turbill said: “The
(pictured) and Birmingham to rival those in weakening of the pound over the past few
Europe in quality and popularity. months, particularly in the eurozone, means
Sales director Harold Burke said: “Our festive more people are holidaying at home this year.
programme has grown greatly over recent years “We’ve seen this trend for a while now, with
and last Christmas we took away record programme features autumn, winter and spring significant increases in bookings to traditional
numbers. breaks in the UK and overseas, with a total of seaside resorts.”
“We’ve already taken plenty of advance 28 new holidays throughout the 100-page In 2008 turnover was £5.5 million and 30,000
bookings for Turkey & Tinsel breaks in October brochure. passengers were carried, and Glenton aims to
and November, as well as holidays for the Two holidays by train have increase that to 40,000 this year.
Christmas period, so we expect this trend to been added, one to Brussels and Turbill also claimed Glenton would benefit
continue. Liege, the other to the High- from coaching’s green credentials.
“We’ve also introduced Credit Crunch lands and Islands of Scotland. “It is the greenest way to travel, there are no
Christmas Crackers at holiday villages in the UK, And two new river cruises supplements for solo travellers and the all-inclu-
so customers can feel festive without splashing also appear: one visiting the sive nature of coach tours – with accommodation,
too much cash.” Dutch bulbfields, the other to most meals and excursions included – means we
As well as festive options, the 2009-10 Continental Christmas markets. appeal to budget seekers,” he added.
20 29.05.2009
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