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For more than 90 years, CIE Tours has been known for its highly regarded tours to Ireland and the UK. And now that it has expanded elsewhere in Europe, the operator intends to maintain its reputation as a company that delivers well, said CIE Tours Managing Director Stephen Cotter.
Several years ago, CIE Tours moved beyond its traditional destinations into Iceland and Italy C and now will expand into Spain next year. The main reason for the expansion was to generate more repeat business, Cotter said, adding that while customers love the CIE Tours experience, many want to visit places beyond Ireland and the UK.
After Spain is in 2025, CIE will likely not expand for the next few years, although additional itineraries may be introduced, as is the case with a new Sicily tour, Cotter said. We are not a global operator, but only wanted to replicate the Ireland and UK experience in a few more places.
New Irish Supreme Tour
In Ireland, CIE is launching the new nine-day Irish Supreme deluxe tour. While most programs are in the premium four-star category, this tour includes multiple five-star properties and exceptional activities.
The companys Daytripper tours C where guests stay in one hotel for a week while enjoying day trips C have become increasingly more popular. Customers like that option because they only have to unpack once, Cotter said. The newest version is the Dublin Day tripper.
Tailored Group Sales
Group sales are as important as ever, with private driver business (2 to 9 people) growing rapidly. A lot of potential guests think that it will be too expensive, but they are often surprised that its not, Cotter said. We can tailor the trip to their needs and make great recommendations because we really are the experts in Ireland and Scotland.
What CIE Tours brings to all its programs is a spirit of hospitality. And while others may promise that, CIE Tours also delivers an all-inclusive approach to pricing.
Tour directors are only focused on guests having a good time because there is nothing else for them to sell, Cotter added.
Supporting Travel Advisors
CIE Tours has 13 business development mangers around the U.S. and a large staff in New Jersey, which is there to support advisors. We have to be more creative these days because of the growth of home-based advisors, Cotter said. I love to hear the stories at our sales meetings about how our representatives are reaching people by hosting breakfasts and lunches and getting advisors out of their homes to meet in small groups.
The operator will introduce a new advisor portal in the fourth quarter that will include more advanced technology, which will enhance relationships even more with extensive access to information. It will be a one-stop shop, including bookings, he said.
We support the people who support us, said Cotter. Travel advisors are the most important channel we have. When they book with us, their customers will come back happy C and nothing else matters.
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