Holiday Tours is in a revival phase that will meet a gap in the market for a solid, traditional tour operator with a modern twist, says Holiday Travel Group GM Deolinda Da Silva. By modern twist she means technology.
“We are currently the only tour operator in SA that allows travel agents the ability to complete a booking from quote to payment at their own convenience 24/7, whilst keeping the call centre open for those agents who are more comfortable speaking to an expert.”
In addition, she says Holiday Tours is fortunate enough to have a wealth of experience in its contracting and reservations teams, which will result in tried, tested and affordable packages for passengers.
“We are very excited to be back offering exceptional value, expertise and good packages to the SA travel trade and passengers. Our focus is to bring back the experience and keep it personal,” Da Silva continues.
“Presently we are looking to soft launch by the end of August and then we will commence engaging with the trade. Our product base will start with the traditionally strong domestic and regional offerings including Mauritius, and we will expand our product base in the new year to include more exciting options.”
Da Silva says South African tour operators have always worked closely with the trade, both in terms of training and development, as well as ensuring reputable partner deals at affordable prices.
“The team will continue this tradition of working with the trade to ensure a seamless booking and travel experience for mutual clients. Now, more than ever, this expertise is required to eliminate unnecessary stress for our passengers. Travel should be about the experience, not the worry!”
Communication even more essential
Thompsons Holidays has always been a trade-facing operator and CEO Joanne Adolphe is a long-time believer in keeping good communications with agents.
Commenting on chaotic travel conditions globally, she said communication is the area where tour operators and the travel trade need to work more closely together this year to streamline operations.
“It is vital that all information we pass on to the travel agents is in turn passed on to their clients to ensure that they are fully informed of everything before departing on their holidays.”
Thompsons Holidays is offering sustainable value to the trade through its extended-hours quote and booking service, she says. “We realised the requirement to be available outside traditional working hours. COVID-19 has created the need for flexibility with regard to fulfilment. It is not always about the price, but rather the value proposition on offer for the traveller.”
In addition, Thompsons Holidays has preferred supplier partners who understand its strategy and customer-centric ethos that is required on the ground to support travellers whilst on holiday or business, she continues.
In terms of how travel agents and tour operators can make life easier for one another, Adolphe recommends choosing the partner you want to deal with and creating a trust-based relationship. “If you always shop around, it only creates extra work for the tour operator and only one quote may eventually materialise, therefore the other quotes from the tour operators are time wasted.”
