A tour operator, Advantage Holidays, and an updated distribution platform, Gateway 2, were unveiled onboard cruise ship MSC Fantasia.

“We realise if the world changes, you have to change. We as Advantage also have to change. The last three years have been really important in laying the foundation for Advantage in the future,” said chairman Steven Esom.

“[Advantage Holidays and Gateway 2] are significant moves forward for Advantage and for you our members. It represents a huge opportunity not only for our members but also our business partners. And it really reflects that not only are we a financially secure, well run business but we have an ambition to invest heavily in the future prosperity of the membership.”

The new product launches come as the organisation restructures its business to separate membership functions from commercial.

A new financial director has been hired and a new commercial director will also be recruited.

Esom also paid tribute to Ken McLeod, Advantage’s long-serving corporate director who is stepping down from the position. He will, however, stay on in an advisory capacity.