34 | TRAVEL TRADE NEWS
ANITA Call for Agent Help Ahead of Government Talks
ANITA are asking agents for help in getting a strong message to the NI government as a series of talks are about to begin. The Association of Northern Ireland Travel Agents are calling for funding to be given to the sector which seen detrimental blows to the industry during the duration of the covid-19 pandemic.
From staff shortages and high debts, the industry is still calling for additional support 2 years on – The association came close to securing funding in late 2021/ early 2022 however,
this was
halted due to a breakdown in the government, ultimately leading to the collapse of Stormont. ANITA are asking NI agents and travel industry personnel to complete a survey to help solidify the case being presented to government representatives. Damian Murphy and Sharon Thompson have begun the next phase in trying to gain Recognition for Northern Irelands Travel Industry. In a joint statement they said, “Its important we continue to keep the struggles of our industry to the fore. Just because holidays patterns are now more or less back to normal, we cant let the Government forget the enormous problems the last 2
years have caused our sector. “With debts levels never seen before-
staff shortages and an increased workload as we try to keep everyone informed about all travel developments. We are asking as many people as possible to complete the survey below (it only takes a few minutes). “To help us point out the inadequate level of support we received and to help gain A foothold in the executive (when they re sit).
We
Its important we continue to keep the struggles of our industry to the fore
have the first round of meetings coming up soon and the more information we have the better chance we have of stating our case” https://w w w.
nisra.gov .uk/ services/covid- grants-evaluation- survey
Barrhead Travel Reports Record Trading Day on Sunshine Saturday
Barrhead Travel has recorded a record- breaking sales day from Saturday 7th January thanks to demand from Sunshine Saturday. It surpasses the group’s previous record sales day from January 2020 and contributes to an overall growth of 52% for the week when compared with the same period in 2019.
Demand for cruise holidays has significantly grown year-on-year with cruise bookings up by over 200%.
nitravelnews.com | February 2023
FRED. OLSEN TRAVEL ANNOUNCES ALL-TIME RECORD START TO YEAR
Fred. Olsen Travel has announced an all- time record start to the year. The Company which encompasses 17 retail branches of Fred. Olsen Travel Agents, Star Clippers, Go Cruise & Travel, Fred. Holidays and the company’s Business Travel department saw every department exceed their income budget for the week to 8th January and consequently produce record income levels for a single week.
My Booking Rewards Celebrates Record Year
CV Villas Reports Record- Breaking Week in Bookings
CV Villas has seen a record-breaking trading week on w/c 9th January resulting in a 48% increase versus the same period in 2022. It has also been reported that Blue Monday, 16th January, was the best trading day on record for the company who celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
The luxury villa company has seen record income levels during the second week of January reporting over £500k increase compared to the same period in 2022.
My Booking Rewards (MBR), is celebrating record breaking figures for 2022 as UK agents earn £131,000 in tangible rewards. With 33,000 bookings logged via www.
mybookingrewards.com,
agents boosted
their earning power considerably, reaping the benefits of additional income in the form of cash, free room nights, FAM trip places and more. MBR’s suppliers also saw record returns, securing a combined sales revenue of £215 million. And already in 2023, MBR has welcomed 185 new agents, seen more than £1,000 in rewards earned and suppliers have secured a bookings revenue in excess of £11 million.
Royal Caribbean Launches New Monthly Training Series For UK and Irish Agents
Royal Caribbean International has launched a brand new monthly webinar series designed to provide in-depth and customised support for its trade partners in the UK and Ireland. The new “Learn LIVE” webinars will take place at least three times per month, focusing on key knowledge areas, with the potential for a bonus session based on agent feedback. Kicking off in February and led by the cruise line’s UK Sales Development Managers, the webinars will focus on key topics to make it easier than ever for agents to offer their customers the best holiday experience. Topics will include;
Airwaves: an in depth run through of Royal Caribbean’s booking system and how best to use it
All Things Royal: an introduction to the brand with an overview of current offers and activities including campaigns, deals, savings and more Yet to Cruise: designed for agents who are new to travel, new to
cruise, new to Royal Caribbean or those who just want a refresher, in this webinar agents will learn who Royal Caribbean is and its signature holiday experiences Club Royal or customised webinar: a run through of the brand’s industry leading learning and rewards platform, Club Royal, and tips for success or a one-off webinar based on agents’ feedback Stuart Byron, director of sales for UK, Ireland and Spain, said
“One of the key pieces of feedback that came from our visits with agents over the last few weeks is a need for more training. These webinars were created to meet this need, alongside our established trade support initiatives, and I’m proud of our team turning these around so quickly.” To find out more about the new “Learn LIVE” webinar series, agents should contact their sales representative or visit the Club Royal website.
Circium and Amadeus Sign Deal Cirium,
the
aviation analytics leader, has signed a
deal with Amadeus to provide its advanced flight schedules data into the Amadeus Travel Platform, further enhancing the dataset available for flight search and bookings.
The new deal means that Cirium’s comprehensive schedules data will be integrated into the Amadeus Travel Platform, benefitting many Amadeus clients in the travel space,
Jeremy Bowen,
Cirium CEO, said: “Combining two leaders in their respective fields in the travel industry, through the expansion of Cirium’s partnership with Amadeus, will further improve flight search and bookings, as well as enable the industry to unlock new market op por tun itie s, maximise revenue and produce a more efficient experience for the traveller.”
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