The new-look Holidays-Direct (www.holidays-direct.co.uk) travel website launched by Co-op Holidays Direct has been designed to empower the customer to be their own travel agent from the comfort of their home or office.
“Our whole approach in terms of site design has been from the user’s angle.  Too many travel sites are functional, but not flexible and fail to answer quickly the customer’s desired holiday search.  The investment we have made in our custom-built site provides a search engine for the ultimate in choice, providing the right information, and ease and speed of use.
Initial usage data has been extremely positive with a marked increase in the number of unique visitors to the site, and we are very excited about the future.  In fact we believe that we have one of the best travel search engines on the market,” comments Mamta Ruparelia, Internet Marketing Manager of Co-op Holidays Direct.
The central feature of the site is the way multiple destinations can quickly be searched for, on price, destination and by specific tour operator. Specific searches can also be made for school and public holidays, holidays and flights for next summer, real-time updated offers of the hour, departures within 48 hours and within a week. In addition customers can make their own exact holiday and flight searches. A unique reference number is given for each holiday or flight search making it easier and quicker for our sales advisors to locate and book the offer.
Other enhancements also contribute to adding value for the consumer.  This includes links for specialist ski and cruise holidays, car hire, short breaks, and airport car parking.
Co-op Holidays Direct is currently enjoying growth at 30% year on year.  Tim Wright, Direct Sales Manager of Midlands Co-op Travel says, “Success is down to focusing on our customers’ needs, who want a quick and easy way to use our website in order to select a good value holiday or flight. They can then call us when it suits them and talk to an expert, who will provide advice and work through the detail of completing the booking quickly and efficiently.”
“Holidays-Direct offers an integrated travel solution for customers as they can access our holiday database through teletext, call centre and the internet.  Our new look website represents a valuable part of our travel growth strategy.”
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