THE ADVISORY BOARD 60 seconds with...
Michael Vance vice-president of sales, Oku Hotels
Q. Tell us about Oku Hotels. Oku aims to provide laidback luxury for the conscious traveller. We create design-led and soulful spaces focused on enriching experiences, bringing together nature, wellbeing and service. We’re still a relatively young brand with our two
inaugural properties, in Ibiza and Kos, having only opened in 2021, with more hotels under development.
Q. How important is the UK market? The UK is our biggest source market for both hotels and has continued to perform incredibly well for us so far in 2024. From a trade perspective it is the market where we’re best known, and we know best in return. We’re incredibly grateful for the support we receive here and long may it continue.
Q. What is your strategy for the UK market? We want to continue to support our loyal existing client base while looking for new partners within the luxury trade. We aim to not only be an enjoyable and fun brand to partner with but also to be flexible commercially. Whether that is by offering agents their own booking codes so they can quickly check prices, availability and confirm stays, or by agreeing generous and flexible commission policies, we want to try to be as supportive as possible. The UK market will continue to be vital for us as we grow. Our next two openings are in Andalusia and in Bodrum, two destinations hugely popular with UK travellers.
Q. Do you have plans to invite agents to Oku properties? We look to welcome agents whenever we can, so please always ask. We’ll be hosting a trip to Oku Ibiza for the closing parties this year and inviting those UK agents who support us well for what should be a really fun few nights.
Steering the Aspire Travel Club Our panel of travel professionals covers the
spectrum of the luxury market and plays a major role in helping Aspire Travel Club evolve
Amanda Matthews Designer Travel
designertravel.co.uk
Kate Fenton 100% PURE New Zealand
newzealand.com/luxury
Andy Harmer Clia UK & Ireland
cruiseexperts.org
Lynn Narraway Seabourn
seabourn.com
Nicola McNeish Celebrity Cruises
celebritycruises.co.uk
John Sullivan The Advantage Travel Partnership
advantagemembers.com
Louise Craddock Oceania Cruises
oceaniacruises.com
Rick Milne Carrier
carrier.co.uk
Craig Jeffs Kerzner International
kerzner.com
Jeanne Lally Travel Bureau
travelb.co.uk
Priti Mehta Explora Journeys
explorajourneys.com
Lisa Fitzell Elegant Resorts and If Only
elegantresorts.co.uk ifonly.net
Jamie Loizou AmaWaterways
amawaterways.co.uk
26 ASPIRE MAY 2024
aspiretravelclub.co.uk
CREDITS: Steve Dunlop; Matthew Burch
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