Travelcall takes off for Midlands

TEN months after launching its flexible low-cost breaks operation, Travelcall, Midlands Co-op has booked over 6,000 passengers bringing in total sales of &#163 1.6 million.
Initially, the aim of Travelcall was to offer low cost breaks to six popular European cities flying with ?no-frills&#039 airlines, capitalising on the trend for holidaymakers booking direct with hotels and airlines. But since the launch, Travelcall has expanded to include three distinct areas ? Travelcall Breaks, Travelcall Cruise and Travelcall World.
Paul Bradley, Midlands Co-op&#039s Travel Operations Controller, explained: "I&#039m delighted with the way Travelcall has performed and the speed with which it has expanded.
"Customers not only save themselves time trawling around the internet looking for the best hotel and flights deals, they can rest assured that only reputable suppliers are used and the holidays are fully protected. Customers get the best offers around and we can compete with the internet in terms of choice and value.
"Core destinations have been increased from six to 18, but any tailor-made, short break request can be arranged."
Travelcall Cruise, launched in July, has also exceeded expectations and the society is planning to increase its three-strong team shortly and launch its own dedicated cruise website next month.
The most recent addition to the Travelcall portfolio ? Travelcall World ? launched in November with just two core destinations, Thailand and Malaysia, profiled in its brochure but any destination can be arranged.
Direct Sales Manager Tim Wright said: "We have a team of six travel consultants at our call centre dedicated to Travelcall World, who are all specially trained in worldwide destinations.
"Early indications show that demand is high for trips to the Far East and we plan to introduce other core destinations including Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in the near future."