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TRADE NEWS


Travel News March 2022 Travelport and Qatar Airways Announce Comprehensive Agreement


New ABTA Guidance for Travel Agents on Sustainability


ABTA has launched new guidance to help travel agents incorporate sustainability into their business practices. The guidance was developed in response to feedback from travel agent Members for more support on how to adopt a sustainable approach and in recognition of the growing appetite among consumers for sustainable travel. ABTA recognises that how agents can engage in sustainability varies depending on the size of their business and resources available. The new guidance is designed to help agent Members find a sustainability approach that is suitable for their business, whatever their size.


T


RAVELPORT and Qatar Airways have announced a comprehensive


new long-term distribution


agreement which will underpin the airline’s omni- channel, advanced retailing strategy. The expanded agreement will include, for the first time, NDC content and advanced travel merchandising solutions – delivered via the next-generation Travelport+ platform. In addition to extending a longstanding distribution agreement which delivers Qatar Airways content to Travelport-connected travel agencies globally, the agreement will also see Travelport distributing Qatar Airways’ NDC content. By enabling agencies to shop and book dynamic and personalised offers, this will enable the airline to offer differentiated


value propositions closely tailored to micro customer segments.


The contract now also includes the use of Travelport’s


Rich Content and Branding solution. The technology provides travel agents with graphically rich images and descriptions on fares and ancillaries, equipping them to deliver an equally compelling brand experience, no matter the channel.


“We’re excited about the next chapter with Travelport supporting


our growth ambitions,” said Thierry


Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer at Qatar Airways. “As we look forward to the recovery in travel, we do not want to add additional obstacles such as surcharges, restrictions or inefficient technical solutions, as we


NI Travel News Attend the SPAA Annual Dinner 2022


NI Travel News were delighted to attend the 92nd SPAA Dinner at the Crown Plaza Glasgow. Many thansk ti Stena Line for inviting us as their guest for the night. Northern Ireland Travel News’ Jonathan Adair was in attendance at the dinner held at the end of February . He said, “It was great to be part of the first live major event for the trade since things have got back to some semblance of normality for the trade after the latest reduction of restrictions and increase in bookings. The atmosphere was the most positive I have seen in the last two years. We were treated to some great organisation and hospitality from the SPAA, with congratulations due to


SPAA secretary Janice Hogarth, new President Mike Tibbert and the whole committee.” He continued, “One of the highlights


of the evening was the


inspirational speech by key note speaker Jo Rzymowska, Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA for Celebrity Cruise, with a very positive message for all our industry moving forward, and an increased message for diversity and inclusion for all”


“The comeback is going to be better than the setback”


was the cry from Jo Rzymowska on the night and NI Travel News believe this echos loudly what the travel industry can expect in the coming days, months and years as the industry rebuilds.


deploy new NDC-based product offerings. Our aim is to provide a consistent shopping experience through all channels, to meet the expectations of our customers and promote the success of our travel trade partners.” “As the world returns to travel, this is an opportune time to expand our decades-long relationship with Qatar Airways,” said Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners at Travelport. “We share a vision of modern digital travel retailing, and believe that this combination of NDC content, cutting-edge merchandizing technology – all made possible by our game-changing Travelport+ platform – will enable the agency sales channel to offer travellers the service Qatar Airways is known for.”


‘Unriddling The Travel


Regulations:’ New Course From Travel Trade Consultancy


Travel Trade Consultancy has launched a brand new Unriddling the Travel Regulations: ATOL virtual workshop


This event is perfect for anyone new to the travel industry or anyone who needs a refresher on the basics of ATOL. The workshop will begin on 22 March at 10am and will be a two and a half-hour online course, and you will come away with a thorough understanding of the ATOL framework as well as: A takeaway “jargon buster” – a handy reference companion that summarises the key terms and acronyms. A timetable of key dates and reporting deadlines for your business.


A checklist to make sure you’re following the rules. Confidence when discussing your company’s ATOL responsibilities.


Top tips on what the regulators are looking for and how to keep them happy. TTC regulatory experts, Martin Alcock, Simon


Brodie and Alison Evanswill clearly explain the things you need to know, in a supportive environment. Perfect for finding answers to those burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask.


Fred Holidays Appoint New Sales and Product Manager


FRED Holidays, have announced the appointment of Laura Wilson as sales and product manager for the company’s newly-launched ‘Discover’ programme. Wilson, who starts her new role on 1st March, is currently business development manager for Fred Olsen Travel where she leads the Fred. Cruise and Travel Norwich Airport brands. Prior to joining Fred. Olsen Travel, she spent seven years at Cruise & Maritime Voyages where she held various positions including national sales manager within the trade sales team. Wilson, who will report into Steve Williams, managing director of Fred. Holidays, will lead the Fred. Discover team as they continue to create unique, fully-commissionable, pre-packaged tours to exciting worldwide destinations and successfully deliver sales through trade distribution channels. Wilson and her team will also work closely with trade partners on various collaborative marketing initiatives, whilst also offering support with training, promotion and staff incentives.


Commenting on her appointment, Wilson said: “I


am thrilled to be joining the Fred. Discover team at such an exciting time, with the product only having recently launched. I look forward to supporting our trade partners in maximizing on the pent up demand and desire for travel to bucket list itineraries that we are currently seeing.”


Steve Williams, managing director of Fred. Holidays, added: “With Laura’s experience of working with the trade and successfully delivering sales growth, this was a straightforward appointment for me. I am looking forward to working with Laura to develop trade awareness and sales for our exciting new Discover programme.” The newly-launched Fred. Discover programme features a selection of worldwide tours and packages that are designed to inspire travel and help holidaymakers experience the unforgettable. Fred. Discover not only helps travellers discover the world, but also presents the trade with a fantastic opportunity to provide their clients with a huge range of exciting products that are fully protected.


It focuses on the four areas of sustainability – environment, destination management, animal welfare and human rights. As well as summarising the different issues within each area, the guidance also includes advice on steps agents can take and case studies on what industry is doing, including from agents, tour operators and other suppliers. As part of the guidance, ABTA recommends three ways travel agent Members could approach sustainability: Address your own business operations – identify actions to reduce resource use, look after your staff or support your community Explore sustainability in your supply chain – find out how your suppliers are addressing sustainability. For example, do you sell any Travelife hotels? Do you know how aviation is reducing its emissions? Are you aware of products that most tour operators won’t sell and why, such as elephant riding or orphanage visits? Engage your customers – think about how you can profile holidays that benefit communities or nature in your marketing and social media activities, to engage your customers and maximise your sales. The guidance is free to ABTA Members and is relevant for all types of agents including online travel agents,It can be found on the ABTA MemberZone. It also includes links to ABTA’s other resources on sustainability including tips on how to sell sustainability. Susan Deer, Director of Industry Relations at ABTA – The Travel Association said:


“Sustainability is rising up the agenda on all fronts – from customers to politicians, but it can be hard for travel agents to know where to start when it comes to adopting a sustainable approach as well as finding the time and resource to do this.


“We know agents have a lot on their plate in terms of rebuilding from the pandemic, so we want to make it as easy as possible for them to look at how they can incorporate sustainability into their businesses. “Even if customers aren’t raising sustainability with agents directly – it doesn’t mean that it isn’t on their mind. .”


For more information visit https://www.abta.com/ events/hybrid-conference-delivering-sustainable-travel. To apply for a free agent place please email events@ abta.com.


Sad Passing of Travel Industry Stalwart


NORTHERN Ireland Travel News were saddened to learn of the passing of Karen Stewart. Karen


sadly passed away peacefully at home


surrounded by her family following a short illness on 18/2/22.


She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Karen started her career in travel in late 1972 first at Hamilton Travel & later at Orrs Travel as a Director & for 46 years worked non-stop helping her many clients travel the world and fulfil their travel dreams. Always on the end of a phone 24/7 to help when needed. Many of her clients became very good friends & kept in contact with her after she retired in 2018. She always went above and beyond to help people.


Karen’s sister Jane recalls fond memories of this: “I remember once we were out with my pals from the UK at the Boathouse for a special tasting menu – she got a call from a very good client stuck in an airport when his connection had been cancelled and without hesitation, off she went to sort out flights. However that was Karen….always helping people with her professionalism, integrity & charm.” She said.


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