- Travel Counsellors Ireland held its 2017 conference at Fota Island Resort in Cork.
- Sarah McCarthy won the top prize for the eighth consecutive year.
- Sonya Lennon delivered the keynote address.
- 45 travel companies attended the event.
- Silversea Cruises sponsored the pre-dinner drinks.
Diane Bowman won Best Newcomer award as Travel Counsellors Ireland held its 2017 conference at the five-star Fota Island Resort in Cork, with over 140 travel professionals attending the two-day event from 9-10 March.
The conference featured a keynote address by fashion stylist, broadcaster and entrepreneur Sonya Lennon. Cork-based Travel Counsellor Sarah McCarthy won the top prize for the eighth consecutive year, reaching unprecedented sales of €12.5 million in the past decade.
General Manager Cathy Burke stated the event focused on the theme “My TC,” highlighting the personal service offered by the 65 Travel Counsellors across the country.
Representatives from 45 companies, including Etihad, Celebrity Cruises, Travelport and Aer Lingus, discussed the latest developments in the travel industry. Travel Counsellors’ Director of Digital and Innovation Waseem Haq provided insight into the latest digital tools available to Travel Counsellors.
A black-tie ceremony with pre-dinner drinks sponsored by Silversea Cruises concluded the conference. Sarah McCarthy stated it was an incredible honour to receive the award for the eighth year in a row. Kathy O’Sullivan and Sue Cahill won Best Business Increase. Lorraine Lawless won Best Corporate, Sharon Tiernan Murphy won Most Helpful TC, Jeanette Coughlan won the Phenix award, and Douglas Hastings won Best Cruise. Other award winners included Mary Foyle, Cork and Jennifer O’Brien, Dublin.
Speaking on her win as Best Travel Counsellor, Sarah McCarthy shared: ?It is an incredible honour to receive such a prestigious award for the eighth year in a row. After deciding in 2006 to join Travel Counsellors, I have never looked back. It is such a rewarding career being part of such a forward-thinking and dynamic travel company.
Cathy Burke shared: This year’s event is focused on the theme ‘My TC’, highlighting the personal service the 65 Travel Counsellors across the country offer to their clients. The awards ceremony is a chance for us to celebrate the successes of the past year. With a passion for travel, and commitment to sourcing and tailoring the best holidays for their clients, this year’s winners are thoroughly deserving recipients.
