Major Travel set to add tailored cruise function


Andrew McQuarrie


Major Travel is set to introduce a tailor-made cruise package facility for agents as it targets a sixfold increase in the proportion of its total bookings from the sector. The trade-only operator already


offers cruise-and-stay holidays but is planning to enable agents to build tailored cruise packages featuring flights, transfers and hotel stays. Managing director Qasim


Gulamhusein said the enhanced cruise offering was due to be ready by December or earlier. “What we wanted to do with


cruise is not just what everyone else does,” he said. “We wanted to do something a bit different where you can tailor-make your package for cruise on the website.” Major Travel had historically been


“quite good on cruise”, Gulamhusein said, until it decided to focus on other sectors, with the result that its cruise sales currently represent only about 5% of business. However, Rute Magalhaes, head


of commercial at Major Travel, said there has lately been a recognition that agents are “crying out” for the ability to book cruise packages on an online portal. “I think it’s probably one of the


Qasim Gulamhusein


We wanted to do something a bit different where you can tailor-make your package for cruise


most exciting projects, because I think it’s going to fill a need – particularly with homeworkers who are very self-sufficient,” she said. Gulamhusein said he hoped


cruise would account for 20%-30% of sales in the next 18 months. In addition to being able to book through the website, agents will also


Merseyside agency fails citing ‘financial burden’ from pandemic


Merseyside agency Usher Travel Service has ceased trading after more than 60 years, citing the “financial burden” stemming from the pandemic. The agency, based in Wallasey, posted a statement on its Facebook page to share the “very difficult news” as director Gavin Morton described it as “one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life”. The agency traded as Usher Travel Worldchoice.


8 23 OCTOBER 2025 Rute Magalhaes


be able to call Major Travel’s cruise specialists. The operator will focus on selling ocean cruise lines initially, before adding river cruise in the next six months. The InteleTravel-owned company


also revealed it would be introducing a luxury brand called Club Atlas in the first half of next year. The brand, which is expected


to launch in April, will feature five-star accommodation, premium transfers, fast-track at UK airports, personalised meet-and-greet services, day-by-day itineraries and digital documentation. Luxury cruise options are also set to feature, Magalhaes said.


Ex-Baldwins boss Nick Marks joins technology specialist


Former Baldwins Travel managing director Nick Marks has been hired by technology specialist Dolphin Dynamics as product ambassador as it prepares to roll out an updated platform. The company has redesigned the front end of its Dolphin travel platform, which is used by travel agencies and tour operators.


Gulf Air Holidays’ Cross vows to ‘do right by agents’


Lloyd Cross has pledged that his new employer Gulf Air Holidays will “do right by travel agents” as the brand prepares to launch to the trade. Cross (pictured), director of


agency sales for Europe and the US, who joined the Bahrain-based business on October 5 after 13 years with Jet2holidays, said he remained “passionate” about supporting UK agents. “We’re going to do what’s right


for travel agents and do right by travel agents,” he added. Cross said the tour operator was


still in the process of deciding on pricing models and commission levels, with the date of a launch to the trade also to be confirmed. He added the strategy in the short term would be to attract UK travellers to Bahrain with F1 packages and to grow the destination’s appeal as a stopover location. He also wants to make agents more aware of th destination via fam trips.. Asked for the


the


expected balance between trade sales


and direct, he said there would not be a set target for either segment.


Gulf Air Holidays plans to


recruit country managers and sales executives for the UK, the US, Germany and France, he added.


Intrepid hires tailor-made GM


to boost bespoke travel sales Intrepid Travel has appointed Richard Wise as tailor-made general manager as the operator looks to accelerate growth in its customised travel division. Reporting to chief executive James Thornton in the newly created role, Wise will be responsible for “rapidly scaling” bespoke travel sales, including working with trade partners. Wise previously spent 13 years at Audley Travel.


travelweekly.co.uk


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