Exsus joins Atas to promote new small group touring programme
Exsus Travel has joined the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) to promote its new luxury small group touring programme.
Mark Harris (pictured), head of trade sales, said the operator is well known for its upmarket tailor-made tours and expects the new range to be “highly appealing” to agents.
“Through our membership with Atas, we aim to expand our brand awareness within the touring community,” he said.
“Travel agents remain our primary focus, contributing to nearly 90% of our overall turnover.”
Following the launch of the programme, Exsus will expand its range of destinations, offer more departure dates and create fresh itineraries.
Harris said the operator is seeing trends for more multi-generational holidays and high-value bookings – and the growing popularity of touring destinations.
“Asia is in high demand, providing good value for money,” he said.
Other trends include rising numbers of multi-centre itineraries, sometimes spanning different continents and an increased focus on sustainability.
“There is a significant number of last-minute bookings, but we also notice a trend of advanced planning, with quotes already being requested for late 2024 and 2025,” added Harris.
“Availability is becoming limited in some areas for 2024, such as Japan, Egypt, US and Canada.”
He said the touring and adventure travel sector is important to Exsus as it allows the operator to “immerse” clients in their chosen destination.
“With our expertise in ‘Escaping the Obvious’, we can create extraordinary memories for travellers,” he said.
Furthermore, membership of Atas will help the company show agents how its team of knowledgeable travel experts frequently visit the destinations they feature and uncover new accommodation and travel experiences.
Currently, bookings for Exsus Travel are 32% higher than in 2022 and the new group touring programme will help the operator achieve further growth, he added.
Support for agents includes product and destination training, fam trips, incentives and help with marketing and social media.
Claire Brighton, Atas account director, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Exsus to Atas and very excited to see their new touring programme.
“Their commitment to the travel trade and their team of destination experts means they will be a great addition to our association and will offer agents plenty of support, inspiration and fresh sales opportunities.”
