Classic Collection paves way for further investment in trade

As the 100% trade-focused operator returned to profitability, Si Morris-Green, B2B director, commented: "In what has been an exciting and transformative year in Classic Collection’s near 40-year history, our strategy has been to remain front of mind with our agent partners through tireless investment, invention and innovation."

The operator, which is currently hosting agents in Malaga on its first of four city break fam trips, has hosted more than 300 agents on overseas trips, including innovative Junior Hotel Inspector visits to Cyprus and Turkiye, which allowed agents to be accompanied by their children. 

Quarterly Classic Connect feedback forums, allowing agency owners and travel professionals to meet with Classic’s management team for honest and frank exchanges of ideas and views, launched in September. 

More than 3500 agents have engaged with Classic in 24 online training webinars, and 250 agents met with 80 of the operator’s hotel suppliers at Classic hosted UK-wide Live Lounge roadshows.    

The operator’s Black Card reward scheme has already paid out total incentives in excess of £200,000 this year. A number of enhancements to the scheme are planned ahead of peaks. And the operator has given away more than 20 holidays to trade partners. 

Morris-Green added: "Future plans include more Junior Hotel Inspector visits, more agent overseas educationals than ever before, a brand new Classic Training Academy and new ‘lift and launch’ marketing assets to assist agents with their social media and email content.

"Following our restructure we’re smaller and more agile and have a laser-like focus on providing our travel trade partners with the support they need to build sales and retain customers."