Titan Travel has appointed Shane Lewis-Riley as its new trade distribution director, aiming to drive growth and elevate the brand. His two-decade experience in travel, particularly in cruises, informs his strategies at Titan.

Focusing on partnerships with travel agents and expanding regional offerings, Lewis-Riley is poised to leverage his unique experiences to accelerate Titan’s market position.

Lewis-Riley’s Strategic Vision

Shane Lewis-Riley, the newly appointed trade distribution director at Titan Travel, has a clear vision for the company’s future. He aims to ‘accelerate’ the growth of the escorted touring brand, positioning it as a leader in the travel industry. Drawing from over two decades of experience in the travel sector, including a pivotal role at Virgin Voyages, Lewis-Riley is set to implement strategies that enhance the company’s market presence.

His extensive background in the cruise industry, where he witnessed a transformation that broadened its demographic appeal, informs his approach at Titan Travel. He envisions a similar trajectory for touring, focusing on expanding its accessibility to a wider audience. ‘Touring,’ he notes, ‘has an opportunity to open up to a broader market.’

Working with Travel Agents

Lewis-Riley’s strategy includes working closely with travel agents, recognising their significant contribution to Titan’s success. More than 40% of the company’s business is generated through trade, emphasising the importance of these partnerships. His goal is to strengthen these relationships, ensuring that agents are well-equipped to promote and sell Titan’s touring packages to an expansive customer base.

He plans to engage with trade partners actively, seeking their feedback to identify both strengths and areas for improvement. This collaborative approach is intended to align Titan’s offerings more closely with the needs of the market, thereby cultivating a more robust partnership network.

Leveraging Past Experiences

Despite his noteworthy achievements in the cruise industry, he acknowledges the need to familiarise himself with Titan’s offerings. During the Atas conference in Leeds, he identified misconceptions about touring and recognised opportunities to enhance the customer experience through improved service delivery.

A hands-on approach is central to his method, as he plans to participate in a Titan tour firsthand to gain deeper insights. This commitment to understanding the product underscores his dedication to delivering exceptional service and value to customers.

The Path Forward

The next steps involve a detailed evaluation of current practices and identifying potential improvements. This process will guide the development of a comprehensive plan outlining priorities for the next three years.

The emphasis on listening and adapting to feedback demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to market dynamics.

Incorporating Technology and Innovation

Lewis-Riley acknowledges the need for Titan Travel to embrace change and innovation. His approach involves evaluating existing processes and implementing new technologies that improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The goal is to not only meet current market demands but also to anticipate future trends, ensuring that Titan remains ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

With a strategic focus on innovation, collaboration, and market expansion, Shane Lewis-Riley is poised to lead Titan Travel into a new era of growth. His background and vision are aligned with the company’s goals, and his efforts to engage with trade partners are expected to drive significant advancements.

By leveraging his extensive experience and focusing on customer-centric strategies, Lewis-Riley’s leadership is likely to accelerate Titan’s trajectory towards becoming a dominant force in the touring sector.

Lewis-Riley’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for Titan Travel, emphasising technology and collaboration. His vision is set to significantly shape the future of the company.