WTM 2015: A2B Transfers reveals plans to target cruise market

A2B Transfers has big plans for the cruise market off the back of the launch of its new API and is developing training for agents.

A2B Transfers has big plans for the cruise market off the back of the launch of its new API and is developing training for agents.

The brand launched a new website last month and a new API is now live, giving the company greater ability to target specialist sectors.

The firm offers 15% commission to the trade.

Speaking at World Travel Market on Tuesday, A2B’s sales director, Phil Norris, said: “We have a new push on cruise as the new API gives more flexibility with port transfers.

“A lot of cruise companies find it difficult to do transfers and a lot of smaller travel agencies haven’t got the confidence to book them.

“In a lot of ways the system was built around airport and hotel pick up. We have changed the terminology to make it more cruise friendly.

Norris said the firm has added a lot more ports, making transfers like port-to-hotel and port-to-airport simpler.

“We are in the process of putting together cruise training products which will be on our website before Christmas.

“We are mindful that we need to do more training in this area. As the product expands we need to give agents more confidence, especially with the popularity of two centre holidays and the like.

“We are going to expand our proposition further and in the future we will offer options in resort, like transfers to attractions, golf clubs and nightlife.

“We want to make everything more responsive as well so if people want to prebook they can.

“We are going to be using geocoding, which will hopefully be available early in the new year.

He added that the firm plans to look at other sectors to develop, as well as long haul.

“We are growing worldwide and there are still destinations that we don’t cover.

“We will also have a push on a greeter range of vehicle types.”

Norris said A2B aims to have wheelchair adapted vehicles in more destinations.