Titan Travel head of trade sales Edwina Coppock speaks to Cruise Trade News about demand for cruising for this year and beyond and how the operator continues to work with the trade.

What are your predictions for booking patterns as we approach summer and beyond?

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease and we near the long-awaited date for non-essential international travel to resume, we expect to see demand and new bookings continue to increase as the year goes on.

Demand for travel, and cruising, very much remains as strong as ever with new bookings coming in each day. As soon as non-essential international travel is given the green light, we expect there to be a flurry of new bookings.

As noted in our recent Travel Trends report, over a quarter of Titan customers are looking to holiday between September and December later this year, with intentions to book around five months before departure.

What cruise itineraries are selling well?

After spending Christmas in lockdown last year, our Christmas cruises continue to perform well, including Titan’s Traditional Christmas Markets on the Rhine and Serenade Christmas Cruise for rivers, and Fred Olsen’s Canary Islands Christmas and Funchal Fireworks for ocean.

Following the current trend for cruises around the British Isles, Fred Olsen’s Lochs & Legends of Scotland cruise continues to be our best seller for 2021 departures.

Looking ahead to 2022, Croatia seems to be leading the way in popularity with our 11-day Lakes and Islands of Undiscovered Croatia cruise and tour currently our best seller.

How is Titan working with its trade partners?

Our commitment to the trade remains as strong as ever, supported by our strong presence across the UK with our three area sales managers. The team can’t wait to get back on the road to reconnect with agents now that some agent stores have reopened.

For those agents who are continuing to work from home, they can keep clients up to date on the latest Titan holidays by using our request a brochure service, where we deliver a trade-friendly brochure direct to the client, completely free of charge.

We’re all here to provide support, advice and guidance on Titan’s cruising product, as well as the latest health and safety travel advice, to ensure agents are always confident in selling and booking with Titan.

How have your trade relationships changed?

We’ve always held a close relationship with the trade, but the last 12 months has seen us work closer than ever before. It’s been important for us to make sure agents are updated every step of the way and have the support they need to give their clients the best possible service.

From providing updates on the repatriation of clients as international boarders started to shut last year to the launch of new policies and regular updates on Titan’s upcoming departures, being transparent and close with the trade is hugely important to us.

Our trade team has always been available to provide valuable support to agents. No matter how big or small, we’re always here to talk through any questions or issues.

This close relationship has allowed us to transfer many cancelled bookings to a future departure date, which is a great sign of consumer confidence in the travel industry.

What flexibility are you offering guests when they book?

All our holiday bookings for 2021 and 2022 centre around the need for flexibility.

Our flexi deposit means clients are able to make unlimited changes to their holiday bookings and stay in complete control, even if their circumstances change, with unlimited booking changes up to 75 days before departure.

There is also a new protection promise policy that highlights all the changes we’re making to ensure agents and their clients can book a Titan holiday with confidence and be assured their holiday, money, safety and wellbeing will be protected.

It includes everything from our no-quibble refund policy should a holiday be cancelled to stringent cleaning procedures and expert support. Our carefully selected cruise partners will also adhere to all local Covid-19 guidelines.

Agents should go to titanagents.co.uk/trade for more information.