Manchester-based online travel agent has announced the launch of its new booking site aimed at Irish customers. This development follows a recent agreement with a well-known budget airline earlier this year.
The newly launched site enables customers to book European beach holidays, using Euros, from multiple Irish airports including Cork, Dublin, and Shannon. Offering flexible payment options and low deposits, the site aims to provide greater convenience and value.
New Booking Options for Irish Customers
The online travel agent’s new site allows Irish customers to book European beach holidays departing from Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Knock, and Shannon airports. Payments can be made in Euros, making the process straightforward for local users.
With deposits starting from as low as €30, the company offers flexible payment options. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide more choice and value to holidaymakers looking to travel from their local airports.
Partnership with Budget Airline
The launch of the Irish website follows a significant partnership agreement with a leading budget airline earlier this year. This agreement comes after a prolonged legal battle between the two firms, which has now been amicably resolved.
Through this partnership, customers can now book flights from the budget airline as part of their holiday packages. Zoe Harris, the chief customer officer, mentioned, “Our launch in Ireland means more choice and great value to holidaymakers who want to book a holiday from their local airport.”
Financial Performance and Growth
In May, the travel agent reported its interim results for the six months leading up to March 31, 2024. The data indicated an 11% improvement in revenues, reaching £80.8 million.
The company also saw a 22% rise in its total transaction value (TTV), amounting to £597.8 million. These results reflect the number of holidays booked before any cancellations or adjustments.
A significant turnaround was reported, transforming last year’s pre-tax loss of £5.9 million into a £600,000 pre-tax profit. This positive financial performance highlights the firm’s successful strategies and operational efficiency.
Customer Benefits and Security
Irish customers can expect more choices and better value with this new website launch. The expanded range of flight options from various Irish airports aims to make holiday planning easier and more convenient.
The company sends over 1.5 million people on holiday every year. All flight-inclusive packages booked through the site come with financial protection, ensuring customer peace of mind.
The chief customer officer also noted the variety and volume of available flights from airports such as Cork and Dublin, which are now accessible as part of the holiday packages.
Future Prospects
The newly launched website is expected to strengthen the company’s presence in the Irish market significantly. By offering a user-friendly platform and a wide range of services, the travel agent aims to attract more customers.
Future developments may include expanding the range of destinations and services available to Irish customers, further enhancing their travel experience.
With continuous improvements and strategic partnerships, the company is well-positioned to achieve sustained growth and success in the competitive travel industry.
Competitive Landscape
The travel industry is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. By launching this new website, the company has taken a crucial step towards solidifying its position in the market.
Offering localised services and flexible payment options gives the firm a competitive edge. This strategy is likely to resonate well with Irish holidaymakers looking for affordable and convenient travel solutions.
User Experience and Feedback
User experience is a critical factor in the success of any online platform. The newly launched site has been designed with a focus on ease of use and customer satisfaction.
Initial feedback from users has been positive, highlighting the website’s straightforward booking process and flexible payment options. Continued focus on user experience will be essential in maintaining customer loyalty and driving growth.
The launch of the new booking site marks a significant milestone for the travel agent, offering Irish customers greater convenience and value. Following a strategic partnership and a strong financial performance, the company is set to enhance its offerings further and expand its market presence.
With flexible payment options, a user-friendly platform, and a wide range of flight-inclusive packages, the travel agent is well-positioned to meet the needs of Irish holidaymakers. This development is expected to contribute significantly to the company’s sustained growth and success.