Signature President Alex Sharpe
Signature Travel Network reported strong growth in land and tour sales and the expansion of its preferred supplier network during its annual Sales Meeting and Trade Show in Las Vegas last month. The additions include five new tour operators, 10 new destination specialists and a vast array of new hotels.
“Preferred suppliers are key to building a solid foundation for continued success,” says Signature President Alex Sharpe. “This year, over 83 percent of member sales came from preferred suppliers. As industry leaders, we want to keep forging partnerships with the most respected travel companies and design programs that have a positive impact on both Signature members and partners. Signature’s land and tour sales are growing double digits for 2013, and advance sales for 2014 are above prior years.”
Signature’s recent “State of the Market” survey of members identified the active and adventure segment as a prime area of opportunity. In response to member demand, Signature has developed an integrated approach, expanding product development and marketing and adding preferred suppliers in the niche, including Backroads and G Adventures.
“As we add new preferred suppliers and existing partners continue to expand their portfolios, we have increased the presence of active and adventure experiences in our publications and online content,” says Heidi Podjavorsek, director, sales and marketing-destination partnerships. “It has also allowed us to expand our destination partnerships well known for unique outdoor experiences, such as Australia, Peru, Hawaii, and Africa, just to name a few.”
In addition to Backroads and G Adventures, Signature added tour/land operators Avanti Destinations, Heritage Tours Private Travel and Villas of Distinction, as well as destination specialists Abercrombie & Kent, Russia; Amiel Tours, Israel; Argentina Activa; Brewster Travel, Canada; J&J Services, Italy; Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador; Seasonz Travel, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti & Cook Islands; Singular Luxury Travel Designers, Colombia; and W Travel, France. More than 60 hotels and resorts also joined the Signature network.