Growth regions

Specifically, the company’s Caribbean and Mexico programmes are 75% up in terms of revenue year-on-year for January and February, and Talbot tells me these will be areas of focus going forward: “We will be developing the product we have in these areas as they have been performing so well – we will continue to add new hotels to our portfolio.”

Talbot admits that selling its traditional destination – the US – is “a bit of a challenge” due to factors such as the presidential change in addition to the strengthening dollar after the Brexit vote.

“The US is still growing for us, but not in the same way as the Caribbean has, for example,” he says. “The climate has in no way been disastrous for us though.”

Partnership power

Talbot puts the Caribbean and Mexico’s success down to Funway building strong partnerships with agents as well as airlines, hotels and tourist boards, citing partnerships with Etihad Holidays, United Vacations and Sandals as being particularly valuable.

Asked about Sandals’ announcement that it is to launch its own tour operation, as revealed in TTG this week, Talbot remains optimistic.

“Sandals and Beaches Resorts will continue to be a very important part of our Caribbean and Mexico programme,” he says.

“We have had a really fruitful relationship with them to date and we intend to retain that.”

While some of the plans remain under wraps, Talbot tells me the trade can look forward to a host of events to mark Funway’s 25th year.

He said the operator had received “excellent feedback” following the launch of its 500 Club agent incentive scheme in December, which gives members enhanced commission, fam trip places and exclusive brochure previews.

He said Funway’s move to be 100% trade-only in the same month had also been well-received, although direct bookings had only represented less than 5% of the operator’s total sales.

To mark the anniversary this year Funway is planning a VIP fam trip for 500 Club members and a “host” of parties for the trade in various parts of the UK including Manchester and London.

Looking back

Travel consultant Charlotte Souto reflects on a quarter of a century with funway: “Looking back at my younger self, a young 20-something, I would never have expected to be here 25 years later writing my memories.

At the time I felt privileged and excited to be joining a brand new UK-based US-focused operator.

After weeks of reservation and destination training my six other reservation colleagues and I felt relieved when the first enquiry rang through. Word was out, Funway Holidays was open for business!

It has definitely been a fun 25 years working at Funway.

We have faced many challenges along the way, but through determination, hard work and amazing staff, Funway is bigger and better than ever, and I hope to remain part of the Funway family for many years to come.”