All nine members of the new team, which will be headed up by senior team leader Claire Brothers, have been with the business for at least two years, with Brothers herself a veteran of more than a decade.
The group said the decision reflected increased sales from, and the increased importance of, the trade to the business, with the team comprising some of its "elite" Japan and Asia consultants.
It follows what the group claims has been its best-ever first quarter for trade sales. "Our trade partners are huge for us and together with the incredible popularity of Japan right now, we want to make it easier for our agents to make those sales," said head of trade Gabo Quiros. “This highlights our commitment to the trade and helping them sell better.
"By providing a single point of contact, we won’t be passing agents around, which will allow the expert and agent to build a bond and ensure a more efficient sale and all-round better experience."
Brothers said: "Japan is so popular at the moment, but we are always able to make time for our agent friends and thankfully, happy customers ensure our agent partners are already coming back.
"Last week’s Heathrow crisis also allowed us to show our value as a single point of contact, helping agents and their customers at a time when they might feel slightly helpless."
Of the team, Quiros said: "The team represents some of the best from the company – all have first-hand experience of living in and travel in Japan, as well as selling to our agents and customers alike.
"They understand what makes a great trip, what agents are looking for, how best to get that sale and ensure customers have the best holiday."
Besides Brothers and her team, ITG’s business development managers Holly Brown and Charlie Orr will continue to work with agents around the country, delivering training opportunities and other support.
“The trade team has been evolving and developing over the past six months, but as we come out of peak booking season, we are keen to shout about them and their amazing work,” Quiros continued. "The good work is reflected as we have seen the biggest trade sales ever in the first quarter of 2025”.
ITG launched its Agent Insider campaign earlier this year, it’s biggest-ever agent incentive, giving agents the opportunity to earn a trip worth £25,000.
“It has been a big year for trade at Inside Travel, and with the agent team in place, it will only get bigger," Quiros added.
