Spotlight on: Newmarket Holidays
In conversation with... Richard Forde, Head of Trade Sales, who discusses the future of escorted touring
Q What sets Newmarket apart from other tour operators?
A: It has to be our breadth of portfolio. We offer everything from events such as Wimbledon or theatre shows to short haul holidays and long haul touring. Then there’s river cruising and our own unique charters to Lapland! So we really do have something for all agents and all clients – all with exceptional quality and value. We have won Best Escorted Tour Operator for five years in a row at the British Travel Awards. Our USPs are price parity across all channels and a price promise.
Q How does Newmarket assist the UK trade in selling its products?
A: As well as myself we have a three-strong onthe-road sales team, plus my colleague Jess as dedicated agent sales support. We also have a special call centre team for agents and a fully-bookable website. We provide trade-friendly posters and we are always happy to help and educate with presentations, in–store events, roadshows and meeting with managers. Plus agents can always direct questions to our Facebook buddy, Nic Newmarket.
QH ow has escorted touring changed in recent years?
A: There’s a much greater variety of holidays to a greater breadth of destinations, with operators offering more flexibility, such as tour-only or options to extend. There’s also higher-quality hotels which appeals to a younger demographic who want value for money and to see a lot in a short space of time – it’s not just about coaching holidays these days!
Q Where are you seeing growth?
A: Long haul is our biggest area of growth, with India the standout destination. Also, small group touring is becoming more popular. We work with groups of around 16 but have launched private tours too. Ireland is seeing a resurgence and we now have 10 fascinating itineraries there.
Q What’s new?
A: We will be launching a new booking engine in the summer, which will lead to a quicker more functional trade website with more connectivity to API/XML feeds. We have a new partnership with A-Rosa river cruises for 2019 and our new eight-day Jerusalem, Galilee & The Holy Land tour (from £1,399) is selling really well.
Q What’s the future of touring?
A: Continued expansion of multicentre holidays aligned with themes, like a rail trip with wine tasting, and more interaction and immersion with communities and local culture.
“We offer everything from sporting events and theatre trips to long and short haul touring and river cruising. Newmarket
Holidays are always happy to help agents!”