Topdeck achieves record early bird sales

23 April 2012

Topdeck achieves record early bird sales

Topdeck has achieved record Europe early bird sales with bookings out of Australia and New Zealand up by 30 per cent on last year.

Topdeck’s Asia Pacific and South Africa sales manager Ben Ittensohn said the “outstanding” result over Q4 2011 and Q1 2012 put the company on track for another record year.

“Gen Y’s unquenchable thirst for travel, the strength of the Australian dollar and positive word of mouth from previous travellers has created unprecedented demand for our trips,” he said.

“We’ve built up our brand based around the fact that we offer trips, not tours. This isn’t just a play on words but an essential part of our culture which ensures travellers have plenty of free time to do their own thing and sets us apart from the competition.

“Earlybird sales have been outstanding and put Topdeck on track for another record year.”

Mr Ittensohn said Topdeck’s no tipping policy, more meal inclusions and exclusive experiences such as flotilla sailing in Greece also contributed to the company’s stellar performance.

He said sales of festival itineraries had also risen by 70 per cent to date this year.

“More travellers are adding itineraries like Oktoberfest, the Running of the Bulls and Venice Carnival on top of their main trip through western or central Europe,” Mr Ittensohn said.

“Other unique experiences like Greek Island hopping and Croatia sailing are also popular add-ons. Gen Y’s still want to do the big trip through Europe as a rite of passage but they are also looking for these extra experiences which give them bragging rights.”

The most popular trips booked over the Europe selling season were the 14-day European Wonder, 36-day European Pioneer and 24-day Spirit of Europe EuroClub trips.

“We’ve seen a shift to the EuroClub style of travel over the last 18 months because they offer great value for money, particularly for single travellers,” Mr Ittensohn said.

“They also incorporate exclusive experiences which no other youth brand offers like a stay in a 12th Century Rhine castle and Pag Island in Croatia.”

Topdeck’s earlybird season was supported by the fully integrated “The Best Experience’ marketing campaign, which won a silver medal at the British Youth Travel Awards in December.

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