Kuoni announces first Northern Ireland agent partner

The tour operator has joined forces with Feherty Travel in Bangor, County Down, and TravelLab’s new Macclesfield store, due to open this summer.

It swells the brand’s portfolio of agency partnerships to 12. Kuoni said the move “highlighted the brand’s ongoing commitment to the trade”, while taking the brand to new locations, placing it closer to consumers and strengthening relationships with key trade partners.

Both agencies will remain remain fully independent, receiving a marketing budget, in-store POS, training at Kuoni’s new Dorking office and educational places.

They will also feature on the back of Kuoni’s brochures and on its website, where customers will be able to book appointments direct.

Brad Bennetts, Kuoni’s national sales manager, said: “The strategy we have with our partner stores is strong and continues to work. These new investments are all about working hand-in-hand and sharing best-practice to build more business together.”

Feherty Travel has 45 years’ travel experience across a team of seven experienced travel consultants.

Scott Parker, managing director, said: “We share the same customer service values and passion for travel as Kuoni and have a loyal base of customers looking for premium holidays worldwide, making this partnership a natural fit.”

TravelLab Macclesfield is the agency’s second branch, its original Frodsham outlet long having been a Kuoni partner.

Jai Porter, TravelLab managing director, said: “After a prosperous relationship with Kuoni over the years, it felt like the right move to turn our brand new branch into a Kuoni partner store.

“Situated on trendy Chestergate, we plan to make it a vibrant and edgy place where customers will want to come and be inspired by our team of experienced travel consultants.”

TravelLab Macclesfield will feature an adventure travel and touring centre, a cruise centre, Canada and US centre and customer lounge across three floors, each with unique, themed decor and event space on the top floor, as well as Kuoni branding.