A&K makes 100% Connections guarantee
Upscale operator Abercrombie & Kent has reported a strong start for its Connections program of small group journeys, with the Australian market far exceeding initial expectations for the product.
Managing director Australia & New Zealand Sujata Raman described it as the"first truly international" product for the company, filling a gap for group touring product out of Australia.
The first departures took place in March.
While initial forecasts for Australia had expected it would account for 15% of overall bookings based on its size, the market now accounts for 30% of its Connections business.
"Australians have really taken to it," Raman told Travel Today.
"There was very limited tourism product available at the upper end of the touring scale so it's been a welcome addition."
The new program, currently being finalised, will feature the offer of 100% guaranteed departures, she revealed.
While she admitted the move has an "element of risk", Raman is confident it is the right way forward for A&K with forward sales strong and additional product to be added.
"It's a big change but it really makes things a lot easier for agents and it helps consumers to make decisions."
The development is a sign of the importance of the trade for the new brand.
"The trade has really bought into this," Raman said. "Connections has been very widely supported by travel agents."
Another new feature of the program will the addition of river cruising to two departures – one along the Danube and the other from Amsterdam to Munich.
There will also be new itineraries in Chile, Argentina, Myanmar, South Africa and Turkey.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
a&k abercrombie & kent sujata raman wholesalersLatest News
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