Paul Melinis (pictured), who joined the escorted touring and river cruise operator in April, said while he could not reveal details yet, he had “big plans” for the trade over the next year.
Melinis, formerly Insight Vacations’ director of sales for UK and Europe, was speaking to TTG as APT launched a new agent incentive and an expanded range of itineraries for the operator’s River Cruising 2019 brochure.
“River is a large chunk of our business, and at the end of 2017, we had grown by 22% and tripled our Asia sales,” he said. “Now in 2018 we’re already up more than 20% and there’s still more to come.
“I’m a huge believer in the trade, and close to 75% of our sales are made through agents, so we are definitely going to have big things in the pipeline.” As part of the incentive, APT is offering agents the chance to win one of four experiences, which
Melinis said would “give a flavour” of the operator’s European sightseeing highlights, when they book any of its 2019 river cruises.
Prizes on offers are for two people and include a three-night European city break; a vineyard tour, wine-tasting and three course lunch; a steam train experience with prosecco and lunch; and a champagne afternoon tea at London’s Ritz.
Entries are valid on any APT 2019 river cruise holiday booked by July 31 and must be lodged with the operator before August 10. Agents must register their bookings at APT-Experts.co.uk/incentive.
APT has put its Asia programme on sale earlier than in previous years, with deals for its 2019-20 season featured ahead of the release of its main Asia brochure later this year.
It is also offering a free flight upgrade on Singapore Airlines and a free Economy flight with British Airways when clients book selected Asian itineraries.
New Signature Experiences for 2019 have also been added, including an after-hours visit to Palais Benedictine on the Seine in Normandy for a tour, cocktail show and dinner.
To cater for demand for its Balkans programme, a “sell-out destination in 2018”, APT has added two new departures for its 15-day Voyage Through the Balkans – Budapest Return Lower Danube itinerary.
