The function means agents can now request quotes from Gold Medal and make bookings even when its core sales centre is closed. The long-haul operator has set up a rota system of staff and homeworkers to service the phones until 11pm.

The new system follows an eight-month trial which monitored the growing demand for quotes outside of the call centre’s usual opening hours, including an increasing number of social media requests. Since introducing the service on September 1, Gold Medal has already taken an additional 104 bookings.

Colin Currie, head of sales, Gold Medal and Pure Luxury, said: “Providing agents with the right level of support is at the heart of our business, so we’re always looking for new ways to make the booking process as efficient and customer-focused as possible.

“It’s clear that social media is influencing the way travellers plan their holidays, so we were keen to find a way to give agents and their clients even greater confidence that we understand their needs.

“We are thrilled by the positive response that the new service has already prompted and hope it will ensure agents are even better placed to capitalise on sales opportunities.”