Speaking to TTG, Sam Clark, who co-founded the Asian-specialist with Tom Armstrong in 2004,said he believed that agents were crucial to future expansion.
“A few years ago the number of our bookings made through the trade was pretty much zero and now we are at 15% to 20%,” he said.
“It is a real focus for us going forward as agents can offer that local voice that helps sell a destination. Recently we have seen that despite the deals available online, people are increasingly going back to agents for that local touch.”
The operator is due to run a Vietnam fam trip for eight agents in May to showcase its excursions in the region – which also includes trips to Thailand, Laos, Burma and the Maldives.
Clark’s comments come as the operator launches its inaugural programme to Borneo, which despite being one of the world’s largest islands – is an untapped travel resource, he believes.
“Borneo is an amazing and under-visited destination and we wanted more people to be able to experience it,” he explained. “It offers a mix of luxury and adventure where you have the relaxing beaches but you can also get out into the rainforest and explore.”
Among the new itineraries is the Beach and Wildlife: The Classic package from £2,990pp, a 15-day trip which includes the chance to see orangutans (pictured) in Kuching and the Mulu caves.
Also on offer is the 16-day Borneo Adventure starting at £2,650pp, focusing on wildlife, village life, and culture across a tour incorporating a five-day trek in Mulu national park.
