On the Beach to launch Classic agent platform in March

The online travel agency announced its intention to launch the agent-only booking portal following the purchase of Classic Collection Holidays in August 2018.

During a trading update on Thursday (February 7), the company revealed that Classic Package Holidays will be launched in March with a “phased roll-out” taking place throughout the rest of 2019.

The new platform will give agents access to a wider range of beach holidays, as well as Classic Collection’s portfolio of four- and five-star properties. It is part of On the Beach’s strategy to gain access to the five million beach holidays booked offline every year.

On the Beach said it had “continued to perform well” during the first four months of the financial year up to January 31, with revenue rising by more than 20% for its “core” product (excluding Classic Collection and international operations).

Chief executive Simon Cooper said this was “another solid period of growth” for On the Beach.

“Our strategy of investing in our brands, talent and technology to drive growth has delivered performance in line with the board’s expectations, with both new and repeat customers attracted to our wide range of value for money beach holidays,” he added.

On the Beach is also aiming to increase long-haul sales and has completed a new direct integration into Emirates’ flights systems, with plans to add more long-haul destinations, hotels and scheduled carriers later this year.

Cooper added that while the company was “cautious of the consumer environment” in the period leading up to Brexit on March 29, the board “remains confident in the group’s outlook and will continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance its market share position”.