AAT Kings is branching out from The Travel Corporation and is relaunching in New Zealand as a more autonomous agent-focused brand, one which its ceo Ben Hall says can now control its own destiny.
The separation from TTC for sales in New Zealand, follows changes to its ownership structure, and Hall emphasises that this is good news for travel agents.
“It allows us to have far more direct conversations now with the trade in New Zealand, and also work with the team on the ground in New Zealand to engage the trade and focus purely on AAT Kings,” he adds.
AAT Kings’ three local sales agents will remain, and agents can also anticipate more visits from key leadership, including Hall, who says the team expects to be crossing the Tasman every three months or so.
The goal, he adds, is to understand Kiwi agents’ wants and needs and ensure that AAT Kings is delivering the product that their clients want, and the support they need to help better understand the product and the benefits of it.
. . . Higher Profile
Agents can also expect to see more AAT Kings activity and incentives as Hall highlights how ‘critical’ the trade is, given most sales from this market are via the trade.
This ‘relaunch’ comes as Hall reports Kiwi demand for AAT Kings product, especially for tours in Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, which he says has picked up thanks, in part, to more direct Air from New Zealand to non-traditional parts of Australia.
“We’re seeing good demand, good interest and genuine surprise, really around the areas people want to travel from New Zealand.”
. . . Evolution
The product on offer, he adds, caters to all aspects of the market as AAT Kings has expanded to offer small group touring, which enables it to access destinations it hasn’t traditionally been able to.
The core coach product remains, and continues to do well, adds Hall, but he acknowledges that small group travel is an area the tourism industry is moving towards.
“We’ve got an incredible mix of product that is innovative, complemented by sustainability, and allows flexibility for travellers,” he adds. “So I think it really caters to anyone that wants to travel and experience Australia and New Zealand with a well-known, well established reputable company that has got incredible staff that deliver an exceptional experience.” See details HERE.
