Franchisee generates £1 million in sales with Meat Loaf cruises

Vikki Coffey has sold tailor-made Meat Loaf cruise holidays as part of her The Travel Franchise business, earning her six figures in sales

Photo (L-to-R) Steve Witt (co-founder), Vikki Coffey, Paul Harrison (co-founder)

A franchisee with The Travel Franchise has hit £1 million in sales following the roll out of tailor-made cruise holidays.

Vikki Coffey previously worked in pubs, as a petrol station manager, and a driving instructor.

However, she decided to made a career change a few years ago, and invested in launching her own business under The Travel Franchise.

Although completely new to the industry, Vikki came up with the idea of creating cruises themed and created by her. For example, she sold a Meat Loaf inspired cruise to 1,700 passengers.

The package has been inspired by Vikki seeing the musical ‘Anything for Love - the Meat Loaf Story’ created by musician Steve Steinman.

“I had a lightbulb moment where I thought ‘this would be amazing on a cruise’ as I knew the type of performances that go down really well with people on cruises,” says Vikki.

Initiating the idea

Vikki messaged Steve Steinman via Facebook and asked him if he’d ever considered putting the musical on a cruise. Steve immediately texted back: “What have you got in mind?”

She was thrilled yet nervous. Vikki had never booked a cruise before, let alone helped put on a huge performance for thousands of people.

The Travel Franchise’s customer-facing brand, Not Just Travel, which has a cruise division helped Vikki negotiate with one of its key trade cruise partners, MSC as well as organise the cruise.

This enabled Vikki to start selling cruise packages featuring Steve’s show for £439pp, which she sold to 1700 people.

Beyond the six-figure sales

The reception to Vikki’s cruise was incredibly positive, which has encouraged her to organise more tailor-made cruises in the future.

“I’m overwhelmed. The fans have been amazing and love Steve’s production. And Not Just Travel’s team have been amazing. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them,” says Vikki.

The Travel Franchise head office team are also supportive on more franchisees creating revenue generating trips such as Vikki’s cruise in the future.

“The resources we now have in place means that we can support agents who want to tailor-make all kinds of cruises or indeed charter an entire ship,” says Neal Hussey, Not Just Travel cruise business development manager.

“Our cruise division and the unique relationship we have with Key Trade Partners like MSC makes all this plain sailing. As a result, we’ve created millions of pounds worth of business together.”