Fred Holidays aims to double rail bookings in 2023

Fred Holidays plans to double the number of rail bookings year on year over the next 12 months as it prepares to launch its full 2023 programme.

Product and sales manager Sally Hauser revealed 2022 revenue had increased by over 300% versus 2021 and highlighted how adding extra departures for popular rail itineraries had helped grow sales.

She hailed the efforts of the Fred Holidays’ trade partners since it made its first rail booking in January 2021.

More: Fred Holidays aims to double size of business in restructure

Hauser, who joined Fred Holidays in November 2020, said: “I’ve just built on the success of previous years by offering extra dates on products that have done well and expanded the range.”

The rail specialist also pointed to the Fred Holidays’ trade Facebook page which she says has encouraged agents to engage with the operator.

Asked what her 2023 target for rail product was, she said: “We’re looking at quite aggressive growth. We want to be doubling our growth in 2023 and we need the trade to help us do that.”

Every agent who makes a Fred Holidays Rail Journeys booking between November 1 and November 30 will automatically receive a £50 Amazon voucher over email.

Hauser went on to say that Fred Holidays was “known for being supportive of the trade”. “We support trade partners with things like social media banners and anything else they need,” she added.

Simon Chambers, general manager of Fred Holidays, added: “With trade bookings accounting for over 85% of our rail business, it is clear how important our trade partners are and that we value them highly.”

He added that there was a “clear desire” from British holiday makers to choose rail holidays “whether that is to avoid airports or from a more sustainable point of view”.

Last week Fred Holidays launched a rail journeys collection in response to the cost-of-living crisis in which all eight breaks are priced under £1,000.

Prices for the three-night Bruges City Break by Eurostar departing from London St Pancras start from £399.

A collection of ‘Grand Tours’, ranging in length from 10 to 23 days, has also been released by Fred Holidays.