Halsey's arrival means Explore's trade team, led by agency sales manager Philippa Baines, has now doubled in size within a year ensuring the adventure specialist is better resourced to serve agents.

Besides Halsey, who will look after agents in the south, West Midlands and Wales, the team welcomed BDM Emma Bond in May, who has taken on Explore's northern and East Midlands brief.

Darren Phillips, meanwhile, joined the team in February in a newly created role designed to strengthen Explore's presence in Scotland and Northern Ireland, something Baines told TTG had "gone very well".

"We really value the trade partners out there, and we realise there are areas that need a bit more TLC or need more regular visits, rather than just seeing us at events and roadshows… unless we’re seeing agents regularly, we’re not going to build that rapport,” she said.

Explore added Halsey’s recent appointment “came at the perfect time” now agents can book Explore tours through dnata Travel Group’s Incredible Journeys brand. Bond effectively replaced Lisa Burton, who joined Audley Travel in April, while Halsey’s role is also a new position.

"We needed that extra person," said Baines. "She’s got that seniority with nine years at Titan, so she knows the touring sector. She’s brilliant in that region and can go to the agencies we want to work more closely with but haven't really reached, like Miles Morgan Travel and Travel House.”

Baines, who is based centrally herself, is hopeful the changes will allow her to get out and see more agents. “It will enable me to get on the road a little bit more, giving that extra support," she said.

"It’s about having somebody in every corner of the UK – agents across the country are going to get the support they deserve."

As well as increased visits, Baines said the new team structure meant Explore will be able to “engage more” by heading to more events and conferences.

"This is a conscious effort, because our trade business is growing heavily, and we had that growth level on a team of two really," she continued. "It’s [previously] been really difficult to get out and support all these accounts.

"But even with the two [agency sales team members], travel agent sales have grown massively in the last three years."

UK trade business, said Baines, has grown by 46% in revenue terms for the past financial year. “Travel agent business is really booming – it's grown by 30% in passengers as well.”

Baines said alongside the new team capacity, she believes agents are “recognising Explore more”. “Touring is our bread and butter, and we’re very trade-friendly,” said Baines, citing Explore’s “total price parity” stance.

Explore has also been growing its Facebook page, hosting roadshows and staging targeted events. “I think people wanting more experiential travel has helped as well,” said Baines.

“We're very strong in Asia and Africa with the trade. We've been told by travel agents that our Japan trip is the most comprehensive, best-priced tour on the market, and it's been selling so well. Probably 40% of our sales have been in Japan, within the trade, we're always bringing out something new and different.

"We've got new trips to Algeria, for example, and we go to some more pioneering destinations that aren't featured by other suppliers, which helps as well.”

Baines added: “I think we're just really good at the follow-ups, engaging and having that trade-friendly ethos.”

Discounts and campaigns are always passed on to the trade, said Baines, and Explore still pays a commission on cancelled bookings. Plus, agents can head out on self-fams, while agents are offered spots on last-minute cancellations at low prices, just like Explore staff.

Explore also has a trade-friendly brochure featuring a double page spread listing “six reasons to book with a travel agent”. “We have a magazine we can produce digitally with their call to action, too,” said Baines. “There are lots of different ways in which we support the trade more than we ever have.

“We need to sustain it and we need to keep it growing, and you can only do that with extra people on the team. So it's a conscious decision to help keep that growth there and give better representation, and really support our partners.”

Check out Explore's new In The Spotlight video with Baines.