Q&A: Phil Shipman, Cosmos Tours and Globus Journeys

What tools do you have for agents to learn about your products?

Agents are at the forefront of everything we do. We have a strong sales team that works across the different regions of the UK, visiting agents as often as possible. We also have an agent training programme, and our Facebook agent group is very popular and well worth joining.

Additionally, for agents we have specific offers on a range of our products and whenever we are launching new tours or marketing campaigns, we ensure agents are fully informed. We recently published a consumer-facing Travel Planner, where we have detailed on the back cover the reasons why our customers should book with agents.

How are you attracting solo travellers?

Solo travel is a continually growing market but we know it can be a big decision choosing to travel on your own, so our aim is to make the whole process as easy as possible. We have a page on our website and in our Travel Planner detailing relevant information and answering specific questions for solo travellers, and we also have a range of deals including waiving the single supplement across various tours. We’d encourage agents to think about Cosmos Tours and Globus Journeys, as we offer a great value way for singles to see the world while taking advantage of the security of a group tour and the expertise at hand.

What advice do you have for agents who want to sell more touring and adventure?

There is still a bit of a myth around touring and the fact it’s just for the older demographic or it’s very restrictive and doesn’t offer travellers any freedom to do their own thing.

We’d advise all agents to take a different view by looking at the range of tours we have, and the flexibility offered throughout. At Cosmos Tours and Globus Journeys, we take the stress out of travel, but we don’t take away the ability for all our guests to enjoy what they like doing, to take time on their own and create their own memories. With everything from our first-rate tour directors to local guides, superior hotels, private transport, and VIP access, we offer a relaxing and easy holiday to some of the best destinations in the world.

Which is your personal favourite touring destination?

I have been lucky enough to have seen some amazing bucket-list sights but one that stands out for me is Sorrento and the Isle of Capri. It’s such a stunning coastline, the views are magnificent over to Mount Vesuvius in the distance with Naples just below, and a boat trip over to Capri is full of glamour and sophistication. I’ve visited Italy many times and the country never fails to impress me.