Speaking to TTG at the 2022 Advantage conference in Madeira, head of Advantage Holidays and Cruise Lee Ainsworth said the group had been working on the new scheme for the past six months.
"Throughout the pandemic, we have been working directly with our members to shape what the organisation will look like coming out of the other side," said TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus Ainsworth.
"With the new AtolPlus scheme, there was an opportunity to go one step further to provide even more support for our agents. Close member engagement has helped us to define and diversify the tour operating models we operate."
Ainsworth said the scheme, currently in its pre-launch phase, has been "successfully" trialled with two Advantage members. It will provide each enrolled member with a bespoke product plan to help them to "diversify their business".
Advantage said members would be able to "maximise all sales opportunities" with a new suite of product by placing the tailor-made holidays with Advantage Holidays and Cruise, minimising their risk in the process.
"To achieve this, we will engage with our members to truly understand their individual product requirements and goals, create a product plan to suit their business by harnessing the strength of our global partnerships, and deliver robust technology, support, and sales guides to make booking simple and easy," he said.
"The biggest benefit of the scheme for our members is the reduced risk when it comes to packaging holidays," added Ainsworth. "Everyone has battle scars from the past two years, and we want to make sure our members are protected and confident. This new initiative will add another string to our bow."
Launched in 2016, Advantage Holidays and Cruise allows members to book using Advantage’s central Atol, a platform leveraging the consortium’s group buying power and one that is utilised by 82% of members.
Over the past 12 months, Advantage has recorded an 11% increase in members using Advantage Holidays and Cruise compared with pre-pandemic levels (2019).
