Back in March, Classic set out plans to simplify its B2B model by combining its trade-facing Classic Collection Holidays and Classic Package Holidays brands. This followed parent On the Beach Group’s distribution deal with Ryanair and the subsequent departure of chief executive Andy Freeth.

Classic Collection Holidays stopped taking bookings in mid-June and closed its contact centre at the end of the month, whereby all forward bookings were transferred to a new singular Classic Collection operation, a process which was completed at the end of September.

“Following our restructure, we’re smaller and more agile and have a laser-like focus on providing our travel trade partners with the support they need to build sales and retain customers,” said Classic’s B2B director Si Morris-Green, who took over day-to-day running of the brand from Freeth.

The Ryanair deal was extended to Classic in September, and on Tuesday (3 December), On the Beach Group’s chief executive Shaun Morton said Classic had a "significant opportunity" to become "the go-to B2B provider of Ryanair packages" after it was confirmed the brand had returned to profitability.

Classic also on Tuesday confirmed it had partnered with Travel Solutions Network (TSN) to expand its trade call centre capacity and extend its business hours.

TSN staff have been trained to use Classic’s booking platforms, which have been integrated with TSN’s phone system, which it said would give agents the feeling of dealing with in-house personnel rather than outsourced staff.

"Meeting the TSN team and learning of their reputation reassured us they could provide an equal quality of service due to their extensive UK travel trade experience and professionalism,” Morris-Green added.

Next year, Classic has pledged to host more fam trips and run more Junior Hotel Inspector visits – a new kind of educational where agents can bring their children along. It will also debut a brand new Classic Training Academy and new "lift and launch" social media and email content.

"In what has been an exciting and transformative year in Classic Collection’s near 40-year history, our strategy has been to remain front of mind with our agent partners through tireless investment, invention and innovation,” insisted Morris-Green.

Over the past 12 months, Classic has invited more than 300 agents on fam trips, hosted quarterly feedback forums to allow the trade to voice their opinions, trained more than 3,500 through its online courses and paid out incentives totalling more than £200,000.

The developments mark a key moment in Classic Collection’s history following its restructure and confirmation of its return to profitability.

In the 12 months to 30 September, the tour operator reported a total transaction value (TTV) of £40.6 million; revenue increased by a third to £8 million, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation increased to £1.7 million. On the Beach Group has recorded a £7.2 million loss owing to "discontinued operations" relating to Classic Collection.

Speaking to TTG, Morton said Classic Collection was ready to more than double passenger capacity over the coming years from a current five figures to six. The brand is currently licensed to carry just over 30,000 Atol-protected passengers in the year to the end of March 2025.

"I see no reason why the business can’t be more than twice it is now in the short- to medium-term,” said Morton.