Audley said that last month’s trade sales were more than 60% higher than the operator’s target figure, with the US and Australia both accounting for around a quarter of bookings from agents. 

The average value of these trade sales was also 17% higher than for bookings taken in January 2022.

Greg Thurston, Audley’s trade sales manager, said: “Not only has this January been our best turn-of-year trade sales period ever, but it has seen us exceed our monthly target by more than in any other month. 

“We have seen some really strong bookings this month, with the highest value being a family east African safari trip and a group trip to Egypt.”

Audley moved away from its previous direct-sell model in early 2020 when it brought Thurston onboard as trade sales manager.

Agents can also boost their status in Audley’s new A-List loyalty club through every booking made with the operator up to the end of March.