Five years on from leaving her role on the High Street with Thomas Cook, Jasmine Evans landed at G Touring—speaking to Travel Bulletin, she described her first peaks with the group as "a really great time," revealing how life on the road as a key account manager differs to her work on the High Street
The importance of peaks this year was paramount after G Touring's trade team reshuffle in early 2024, which saw the business recruit Tom Morgan as its new trade sales director and Jasmine following shortly after as key account manager for the South. Jasmine felt the reshuffle "brought a new energy into the trade team," and described the start of the year as "amazing," reporting a 30% increase in overall sales performance.
"It was really fantastic for us as the trade team... we found that it definitely went in peaks and troughs, but overall we had really great results from it.
"It was crazy being out on the road... but we have built some great relationships now to the point where agents can reach out and let us know where they need help or what areas need improving."
Responses to such feedback have already begun to take shape, with G Touring announcing a restructuring to its long-haul deposit policy, which trade sales director Tom Morgan said was developed "hand-in-hand with travel agents."
Maintaining momentum
Just You celebrating its 25th anniversary this year means momentum from peaks mustn't slow. Since its turn-of-year campaign, G Touring has already announced a global fam programme (described by head of trade sales Rachel Mould as "the perfect opportunity for agents to immerse themselves in everything we offer") and a new partnership with the Royal Geographical Society on a range of tours that bring the Society's archives to life.
Jasmine very much feels that momentum. "There is a lot of excitement and buzz around... from a Just You perspective, people are now understanding solo travel and where that fits into their demographic and their business.
"With Travelsphere, agents have totally taken the messaging on board. Our work with Planeterra, the non-profit which Bruce (Poon Tip, G Touring founder) set up helps agents to see the benefits of giving back to the local economy while enhancing their holiday experiences."
From agent to account manager
Swapping the High Street for the highway and life as an on-the-road account manager might seem like two sides of a similar coin, but Jasmine admits that since taking on the role with G Touring, she "really understand[s] the differences from a travel agent to a trade role... it's busy! It can be chaos at times, but it's the best job. I've really loved it.
"I am really excited about continuing to build partnerships and seeing them flourish. Over the last year, we have seen so much growth with the trade, and it is just going to get stronger and stronger from here."
Jasmine Evans is a key account manager with G Touring (Just You & Travelsphere).
