Dominic and Jocelyn Byrne at the Travel centres conference in Naas
The Travel Centre conference brought 188 delegates to a conference and gala dinner in Naas. Forty suppliers engaged with agents during an afternoon speed dating session.
- Angela Walsh of ITAA: Share that “innovation is our lifeline,” and the improtanc eof thinking differently
- Jo Linehan: Highlighted the small things that can be done by travel customers on sustainability, declining the daily room clean or contributing to a carbon offsetting scheme.
- Suzanne Rowe of MSC Cruises: Discussed the arrival of MSC World America next year and shared details on new ships or itineraries.
- Russell Meara of Hablo: Showcased the new tiered loyalty scheme for agents and suppliers, and the challenge of the forgetting curve in dispensing information: an average customer forgets everything they have been told in twelve hours.
- Andy Harmer of CLIA: Shared that cruise bookings from Ireland are up by 17pc in 2023, he said the core attraction of cruising remains unchallenged: the destination, and the central sales line that customers need to unpack just once to visit multiple destination. He revealed the average cruise age in Ireland is lower than the international average at 47.
- Bláithín O’Donnell of Air Canada: Focused on Canada’s connections the emergence for the Irish market of three sun destinations as highlights in their offerings, Punta Cana, Cancun and San Jose in Costa Rica.
- Aoife Gregg of United Airlines: Walked delegates through the impressive app designed to enhance user experience.
- Gary Murphy of Ama Waterways: Discussed the unique aspects of river cruising: “ocean takes you to countries, rivers take them through countries”, reiterated that 91.2pc of AMA’s sales are through the trade, and introduced a promotional offer for selling five sailings to earn one free.
- Val Murphy of Celebrity Cruises: Talked about partnership with agents and Celebrity’s mini wave campaign aimed at boosting interest and bookings.
- Amanda Middler of Silversea: revealed that the Silver Wind will be based in Dublin for Iceland sailings in 2025, and told agents to “think expedition,” and announced Silvera’s first ever promotional campaign tied to Black Friday with bonus commissions.
- John Booty of Royal Caribbean: Described a bounce in bookings driven by the launch of Icon of the Seas last January and noted that Ireland performing at 28pc above average among the Royal’s international markets.
- Alf Dunbar: Challenged agents to ask what is the purpose of business, and answered it “to create and keep a customer,” in a lively and interactive forty minute presentation he said that “selling is a transfer of enthusiasm” and “you can tell a smile on the phone.”. Other insights: “Motivation is like a balloon the owner or manager needs to keep putting air in” and “it is true that you sell travel, experience and solutions, but ultimately you are selling YOU.”
- Adam Weatherley of Isme: Addressed the challenges faced by small businesses in the current market.
Alf Dunbar
