InteleTravel has reported that cruise holidays now account for 10% of its total turnover, representing a 20% improvement on the first two weeks of January 2023

The homeworking agency also revealed that sales had risen by 10% jump during the same period, with the top selling destinations including the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, it also saw a 10.3% increase in average booking values as advisors focussed on luxury sales in the first two weeks of January, compared with the same period last year.

Among the top 50 performing advisors, the average sale was £26,973 from 1 January to 15 January. The highest individual booking among the top 50 was £134,529 and the lowest was £14,696.

“Despite the decrease in general retail spend towards the end of 2023, customers want to confirm their holiday options early and take full advantage of great prices on offer,” said Tricia Handley-Hughes, UK and Ireland managing director.

“Confidence in booking through a trusted travel advisor is definitely back, with an appreciation of the effort and time taken to secure the right holiday for customers.”

InteleTravel deploys AI to streamline back-office processes

After hosting its first Luxury Summit in December, InteleTravel is now using AI to streamline its back-office processes and free up more time for advisors to concentrate on selling holidays.

“Training and engagement remain the key to success,” added Handley-Hughes. “We’ve introduced a new dedicated training programme on key topics that will help advisors upsell, followed by a full year of confirmed partner activity.”