Newmarket Holidays, sponsor of this Escorted Touring special edition, says agents have helped it through an uncertain market this year. Commercial director David Sharman spoke to Samantha Mayling


N David Sharman


ewmarket Holidays is on course to equal or even surpass 2017’s record sales growth, thanks in


part to axing its range of domestic and European coach breaks. Te operator’s sales soared by 15% in 2017, but 2018 was a more challenging year with “single-digit” growth. However, aſter dropping coach


breaks in January and focusing on air and cruise holidays, plus ongoing support from the trade, Newmarket is on track for a bumper 2019. Te new strategy has helped


the operator to “firmly position” its brand, according to commercial


Our air and cruise


programmes represent by far the biggest proportion of our business


director David Sharman. He said: “Our air and cruise


programmes represent by far the biggest proportion of our business and are where we believe the company can continue to grow.


“Agents are now much clearer


about what to expect – higher quality, greater value and what Newmarket represents. “Sales in these core areas have


exceeded our expectations this year.” Te “security, advice and comfort” that agents offer customers during this time of political uncertainty mean that trade sales are “outstripping other channels”. “Agents helped customers


navigate the uncertainty and Newmarket atributes a significant proportion of this year’s growth to that belief,” he said.


Strong voice Newmarket’s membership of the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas) also pays dividends. “Atas has placed an important


spotlight on this sector,” said Sharman. “Te touring sector is lucky to have such a strong trade voice. News and commentary are at the heart of Atas’s activities and it has facilitated operators coming together as a body. “It gives gravitas to the sector


and shows what potential there is for agents to sell a diverse range of holidays to a wide demographic. “Te events are crucial. Agents


18 13 JUNE 2019 travelweekly.co.uk


Newmarket hails sh


PICTURES: Shutterstock


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