Dominic and Bernie Burke were joint winners of the service to the industry award at the Irish travel industry awards.
Through their leadership of Travel Centres, Ireland’s largest consortium of independently owned and managed travel agents, the couple has built a powerful network that empowers local businesses while forging strong ties with global suppliers. With over 70 member agencies spread across the country, Travel Centres has become synonymous with advocacy, training, and commercial success in the Irish market.
Dominic Burke’s career in travel spans an impressive half-century, beginning in February 1975 when he entered the industry after training as an industrial engineer. Over the decades, he held senior management positions in both retail and tour operating sectors. In the late 1980s, he led north American charter operator Chieftain Tours, gaining deep expertise in transatlantic travel. This was followed by a stint with American specialists Enterprise Travel in the 1990s. These roles honed his skills in sales, operations, and supplier relations—foundations that would prove invaluable later.
In 2005, Dominic founded Travel Centres, initially as a response to the challenges facing independent agents in an era of consolidation and online competition. What began as a modest grouping has grown steadily into the country’s premier consortium by membership numbers. Bernie Burke, with more than 40 years of experience across tourism and banking—including management training roles at Permanent TSB and earlier positions at ABN Amro—joined as a key partner. Together, they have steered the organisation with a focus on ethical growth, member support, and innovative partnerships.
Travel Centres’ hallmark remains its annual conference, a cornerstone event that combines business development, education, and celebration. Held each November—most recently for the 19th and 20th editions at Lawlor’s Hotel in Naas—the gathering draws hundreds of agents and trade partners. The programme features workshops on effective selling, market trends, and destination updates, alongside networking opportunities. Friday evenings often kick off with lively receptions in a category sponsored by major players such as Sunway Holidays, MSC Cruises, and Hertz Ireland.
The Saturday gala dinner stands as the conference’s highlight, featuring a prestigious awards ceremony that recognises excellence among suppliers and agents. Winners are selected by industry judges and member votes, with categories including Supplier of the Year, Agency of the Year, and Supplier Representative of the Year. In recent years, accolades have gone to firms like Travel Focus for overall supplier performance and individual agencies such as O’Hanrahan Travel. These awards not only honour achievements but also strengthen bonds between agents and suppliers.
The events are renowned for their festive atmosphere, with entertainment from top dance bands and DJs extending late into the night. While the consortium’s gatherings emphasise professional development, they embrace fun through themed elements and social activities that foster camaraderie. Past conferences have included spirited dinners and post-awards celebrations, creating lasting memories for attendees. This blend of business and enjoyment has earned praise from participants, who describe the weekends as among the industry’s most engaging and productive.
Travel Centres’ efforts have garnered significant recognition from suppliers. The consortium has secured prestigious accolades, including a recent award from Celebrity Cruises for outstanding luxury cruise sales in 2025, presented at a ceremony in London’s Park Hyatt Hotel. Such honours reflect the group’s consistent performance in driving bookings across categories like cruises, tours, and holidays. Travel Centres has also been shortlisted in national programmes, including the Irish Travel Industry Awards for categories such as Best Travel Trade Team and supplier support.
Under the Burkes’ guidance, the consortium has continued to expand, welcoming new members through organic growth and acquisitions by affiliated agencies. In late 2025, several well-established shops joined, further solidifying its position. This momentum positions Travel Centres strongly for the future, with the 21st conference slated for Naas in November 2026.
2026 awards
Previous winners
