The Global Travel Group has launched a collection of tools and collateral including window display materials, greetings cards, e-shots and brochures which members can over-brand.

A series of YouTube videos has also been created to help members make the most of the tools.

“This is the biggest turn-of-year campaign we’ve ever done, and it’s not just about providing the marketing material but also ensuring that agents know how to use it,” said managing director Andy Stark.

A dedicated marketing support helpline will be available throughout peaks to provide specific assistance. Stark said the consortium would finish 2016 in a “really strong position”, with transactional volume across its members up 10% on last year.

“When you consider the backdrop of what the industry has gone through this year, and off the back of a good year last year, we’re extremely happy with that growth,” he said, adding the boost was partly due to members selling more luxury travel.

“Around 65% of what our members sell is now luxury travel, and I expect that to go up to 70% next year. It’s through the benefits of our buying power, meaning better access to luxury product for our members, and better commission.”

Stark suggested that while the big tour operators might see a sales frenzy in the first few weeks of 2017, he expected independent agents might not see a bookings boost until mid-January.

“Independents have got to be match-fit for peaks, but will it happen on Boxing Day? My view is that the vertically integrated engines of Cook and Tui, with lots of capacity, will kick in early, but do independent agents really want to compete in that market?” he said.

“When all the promotional free places have gone, that’s when the independent travel agent comes through, with more handcrafted offers,” he added.

Global Travel Group members are to benefit from two new roadshows next year, Stark revealed, with one focused on ski and another on tailor- made long haul travel. The move follows the success of cruise-themed roadshows this year.