Hays homeworkers hike February sales by 148%
Samantha Mayling
The homeworking division of Hays Travel has reported record bookings in the peak selling period, with February sales up 148% year on year. News of the sales growth followed
announcements that parent Hays Travel had seen record bookings in January and February, as did the Hays Travel Independence Group. More than 140 homeworkers
attended the Hays division’s annual conference in Portugal last week, which followed the Hays Travel IG conference. The division is led by Tanya
Cooper, head of Personal Travel Consultants (PTC), Amy Brooke, head of lead supported PTC, and Steven Reilly, head of Explorer, which is a stepping stone between the Independence Group and the traditional homeworking model. Cooper said: “In January, we hit
more than £20 million in sales. Our best year prior to this was January 2020 when we achieved £14 million.” As well as the February sales rise,
the division reported bookings growth of 143% in January year on year. The division’s homeworker
numbers have also grown by 25% year on year, with 338 PTCs, 96 lead
supported PTCs and 93 agents in Explorer Travel. Cooper said: “We have seen
significant growth in our cruise market with our share of cruise doubling since this time last year. “PTCs in particular have seen
excellent growth in the cruise market, with multigenerational families enjoying travelling together. “Explorer Travel has seen a 40%
growth in long-haul, with many of their bookings coming for the US, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Australia and Thailand.” Cooper added: “We are also seeing an increase in twin and
Heathrow ‘ready for Easter’ after
‘smooth’ February half-term Heathrow claimed it is prepared for the Easter holiday period after reporting a “smooth” handling of passengers over February half-term. The London hub made the pledge as it reported passenger satisfaction levels in February were close to pre- pandemic rates. The airport handled 5.2 million passengers last month, up 81% on February 2022, when Covid travel curbs were still in place.
8 16 MARCH 2023
Amy Brooke, head of lead
supported PTCs
multi-centre holidays, as many customers are looking to spend more and experience more after the pandemic. “We have started seeing
strong growth for summer 2024 and beyond, with people taking advantage of low deposits, free kids’ places and direct debit payments. “And we are seeing lots of
customers registering now for upcoming cruise launches.” Homeworkers at the conference
also heard about enhanced commercial agreements and the
importance of customer service. i Conference report, page 10
Kuoni appoints Rocha as Ross takes up new Der Touristik role
Kuoni has announced two changes to its leadership team. Marco Rocha is to join as product and commercial director, while product director Claire Ross will become director of sustainability for parent firm Der Touristik UK. The restructure follows the recent appointment of Mark Duguid as UK managing director.
Nicola Park
Seaside Travel to open fifth store in Northumberland
Seaside Travel is to open a fifth shop, in Haltwhistle, Northumberland. Agency owner Nicola Park said:
“Haltwhistle is a village that is very similar to the others I have shops in and it has a really good community spirit with lovely people who love each other. And that’s the theme of Seaside Travel: I love my team, they love me and we love our customers.” Park is looking to hire at least
four staff to work at the new store, which is scheduled to open in six weeks’ time. “I need a whole new team, from managers down to part- time sales consultants,” she added. She said she was “over the
moon” about expanding the agency chain and was keen to take advantage of opportunities after the pandemic. “I went to the Jet2 conference in
November and the theme was ‘who dares wins’,” she said. “I think after Covid, it’s time we grab everything with both hands because we never know what’s around the corner.” Park added that she planned to
continue expanding Seaside Travel if she can find suitable locations.
UK to introduce ETA scheme
first to visitors from Gulf states The UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is to be introduced for visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan from this autumn. Qatari visitors will be able to apply for an ETA from October, followed by those from other GCC states and Jordan from February 2024. The requirement will extend to non-British and Irish nationals from all other countries by the end of 2024.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: James Yarrow
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