A record number of Travel Counsellors heard about the latest news and initiatives to help support them in growing their businesses.
Cathy Burke, General Manager Ireland (above), opened the conference business sessions with an insightful presentation highlighting the performance of Travel Counsellors over the past year. She welcomed some new Travel Counsellors onboard and thanked all Travel Counsellors and supporting head office team members for their continued support and dedication that makes Travel Counsellors the special company that it is today.
Cathy impressed upon agents how the travel industry is changing, with the world becoming smaller yet more accessible: “We are essentially tour operators or wholesalers now, creating packages that our customers want rather than what we want to sell them.”
Cathy also congratulated Travel Counsellors Mary Foyle and Sarah McCarthy, both from Cork, for reaching an outstanding €10 million each in sales in under 10 years.
Kirsten Hughes, Commercial Director, showcased how utilising the company’s dynamic packaging system, Phenix, can allow agents sell the best products at the best prices to their customers, while dramatically increasing their own earning potential.
Kirsten told delegates: “To protect your business and earn the margin you deserve, how you buy a product is as important as how you sell it. That’s why, as well as having access to the widest choice of suppliers in the industry, we are dedicated to developing the very best dynamic packaging system, enabling you to take control of what and how you sell, and grow your businesses in an ever competitive commercial market.”
Danny Girling, Product Manager, spoke about the valuable partnership Travel Counsellors have with numerous destination management companies. They are the go-to professional service companies that possess extensive local knowledge and expertise.
He emphasised to Travel Counsellors the importance of utilising destination management companies, how they assist Travel Counsellors in tailor-making honeymoon packages, long-haul trips and European holidays to match their customers’ individual needs and desires.
Mary Foyle, Travel Counsellor, backed up Danny’s presentation with a powerful message to her TC colleagues on the benefits of using DMCs to arrange bespoke itineraries for clients.
Robert Snelson, IT Director, presented some very exciting developments that are in store for Travel Counsellors. Technology is changing the future of travel and Travel Counsellors continue to invest in the utilisation of technology to deliver the best service possible and further personalisation of bespoke experiences for their customers. From the in-house quote and book system to mobile technology, Robert touched on all areas with improvements and developments aplenty.
Steve Byrne, Managing Director, spoke about Travel Counsellors’ incredibly strong and unique company proposition. Travel Counsellors pride themselves on consistently delivering an excellent level of personal service and bespoke, tailor-made holiday packages. The head office teams support Travel Counsellors relentlessly: “We will help you be the best you can be, we’ll look after you and you’ll join the most caring family in the world.
“Caring is at the heart of everything we do. We care about our customers, we care about our Travel Counsellors, we care about every employee and we care about our communities. Caring is built into our DNA. It is the reason we have achieved what we have and is the purpose that will take us towards our vision.”
Niall Breslin (Bressie): The surprise guest speaker at this year’s event was Irish musician and Voice of Ireland judge Niall Breslin, better known as ‘Bressie’.
He delivered a personal yet motivational speech about his journey and highlighted the importance of maintaining a fit body, healthy mind and making your emotional fitness a priority in your life. This was a massive injection of power, inspiration and motivation for all.
