The operator launched its Australia and New Zealand programme before the Covid pandemic hit, when it was then put on hold. It was relaunched in May 2022, and Australia and New Zealand programme ambassador Jenny Taylor Page says it’s been “going from strength to strength,” with 95% of bookings to the two countries currently coming through the trade. 

A dedicated brochure for the destinations was released at the start of 2023, which will be relaunched in December and will be available via brochure ordering service TradeGate. The updated publication will now feature stopover inspiration, such as Fiji and the Cook Islands, and suggested tailor-made multi-centre itineraries. Agent incentives are also being planned to coincide with the relaunch.

Four trade webinars are slated for November, focusing on how clients can get around the destinations, with sessions focusing on motorhomes, trains, cruise and escorted tours. “We want to continue that momentum moving forward, so we’re hoping to have destination webinars too, and ones sharing top tips,” Taylor Page added. Agents can sign up via the operator’s trade Facebook group. 

On 13 December agents will be invited to join a virtual Christmas quiz at 10am, held in collaboration with Tourism Australia, with a range of prizes available. Details will be available via the Facebook group. 

Taylor Page explained: “We want to really grow agent awareness, because agents are very familiar with our Canada, Europe and closer-to-home programmes, but aren’t as familiar with our Australia and New Zealand programme. We want to be the go-to tailor-made specialist [for the destinations]. We’re all super passionate and in love with the destinations, and have all sorts of hands-on experience. And we work really hard to provide a high level of service and to ensure that the agents are being listened to, so the quotations or itineraries we’re sending across match their clients’ requirements.” 

To support agent partners the team is currently recruiting for a third Australia and New Zealand sales consultant, and agents are also supported by a dedicated client services assistant.