Kiwi travel agents can expect to see more from the Travel Corporation (TTC) brands in the coming months, as the company highlights plans to increase its marketing spend, invest in IT to make it easier for agents to cross sell, and increase its resources for agents.
TTC’s recently-appointed svp sales for Oceania Andy Young (pictured) is in Auckland this week meeting with key trade stakeholders. While he’s based in Australia Young stresses that he plans to make regular in-market visits to meet with both the Kiwi TTC team as well as its trade partners. Apollo, the new owners of TTC, officially acquired the company 31 Oct last year and have spent several months researching and positioning TTC for further growth with a five-year plan. Young says that agents remain key to TTC’s growth, and that he is acutely aware of the nuances in the different markets, including the standalone New Zealand market.
To recap, TTC brands are now divided into three portfolios, says Young. AAT Kings and Adventure World will sit under a specialist and adventure portfolio; Trafalgar (including the new Trafalgar river cruising) will lead the touring brands portfolio; as well as a separate Uniworld portfolio. “A lot of work has been done around research and collecting insights from both travel agents globally and our customers…and as a result of that we’ll be putting more investment into Contiki and a significant investment behind the Trafalgar Brand”. Costsaver and Insight too will be important brands for the more independent and luxury travellers, respectively, adds Young. Significant investment is planned for Uniworld as well in terms of marketing and new ships. There’s also more than 3000 definite departures for 2026, and Young says the company has just recently launched ‘the largest number of new itineraries in about a decade’.
. . . Resources
TTC has shifted to a global sales focus with regional teams. As such Young says Kiwi agents will have more digital resources at their fingertips. At the same time it’s business as usual for the TTC Kiwi team, although it’s currently recruiting for a southern rep. Young says TTC is doubling down on its commitment to brochures, offering the most sustainable option available, as well looking at new ways the bdms interact with agents.
