The first panel included agents from Advantage Travel Partnership businesses, Barrhead Travel, the Travel Trust Association, Global Travel Group, Midcounties Co-operative, Worldchoice Travel, Hays Travel, Not Just Travel and Travel Counsellors. 

Every month, agents on the panel will meet and advise the company about its products, website content, marketing, training, documentation and customer service. The first panel met last week. 

Head of sales Jessie Manzi said agent feedback had encouraged the trade-only tour operator to create the steering panel as well as a dedicated sales support department. USAirtours has also re-joined trade training provider Tipto so it can meet agents at roadshow events across the country. 

McLeod said: “By launching this panel and appointing an external chair, USAirtours have shown that they are keen to hear what agents really think and need.”