More than 50 members of The Advantage Travel Partnership recently gathered in Majorca for the Partnership’s Managed Services Conference. The event, which took place at Kimpton Aysla Mallorca in Santa Ponsa, was hosted by Classic Collection, with supporting sponsors including Fred Olsen, Expedia TAAP, Exodus, and Vertical Systems.
During the three-night conference, delegates received updates on Advantage’s growth goals for its Managed Services model (AMS) and its technology investment plans. They also participated in a workshop on ‘Unleashing Potential’ and a marketing surgery hosted by the Partnership’s Head of Marketing, David Forder. Additionally, a panel debate allowed members to share their future plans.
Kelly Cookes, Chief Commercial Officer, expressed satisfaction with the performance of members operating under Advantage’s Managed Services proposition, stating that they had a strong year of trading. She highlighted the significant growth in turnover (+30%) and a 3% increase in margin per booking, with cruise sales more than doubling. Cookes also emphasized the growing interest in joining Advantage’s managed service model, making it one of the fastest-growing operating models within the membership portfolio.
Advantage manages all supplier payments, licensing, and commercial contracts, allowing business owners to focus on sales and customer service. The strategic focus for 2024 is to continue helping members maximize commercial opportunities as part of the Partnership. In 2022, Advantage achieved a turnover of £120m in this area of its business and currently has over 70 branches operating under its managed services model.
Delegate Evan Desmond, Head of Leisure at Gray Dawes Group, expressed enthusiasm about learning about future developments and networking with other like-minded business owners. Cookes added that every member operating under Advantage’s AMS model has their own trust account, highlighting its effectiveness as a robust operating solution.
In related news stories, the “Temptation Miches Fam incentive” has been extended, James Villas has established a trade team, youth travel agency Kilroy has opened its first UK store, Fred. Olsen Travel has acquired an Ipswich travel agency, Fred. Olsen Travel has launched an in-house training academy, and CLIA has added expedition cruise training events.
Source: TravelMole