Trade runs mental health sessions for employees


Natalie Marsh


Travel companies marked World Mental Health Day on October 10 with a range of mental health and wellbeing initiatives. Travel Counsellors launched a


‘Speak Up’ forum to help encourage conversations around mental health on virtual platform TC World. Agents were encouraged to share stories, tips and advice for boosting mental health, as well as physical, financial and nutritional wellbeing. Operations director Karen Morris


said: “We are doing everything we can to support, guide and signpost people to all the help available.” Barrhead Travel’s HR team


hosted a Wellbeing Zoom Room on Friday “to encourage open dialogue about the importance of self-care and to give colleagues across the business the chance to reconnect over a virtual coffee”, said president Jacqueline Dobson. The agency also ran a confidential ‘check-in’ service all week for


Window QR codes create leads when agencies are shut


Agents are being encouraged to capitalise on increasing awareness of QR codes to drive more sales through window displays. Potential customers who


scan the codes, created by Travel Marketing Systems, will be taken to the corresponding page on the agency’s website, which will show details of the offer and a form


8 14 OCTOBER 2021


to make an enquiry. It will help create leads for agencies even when branches are closed. The promotional materials


are part of an update to the TMS Marketing Manager software for agents, formerly known as Latecards, and developed for


Malta Tourism hosted a wellness retreat


(above) and art therapy


colleagues to connect with HR and wellness champions. Dobson said World Mental


Health Day was “a good opportunity


for businesses to pause, check-in with their employees and review how they can continue to provide the best resources and support”. The Malta Tourism Authority


ran a free wellness retreat for travel sales staff in London on Monday in conjunction with Talent Courtyard. Trade trainer Peter Green said:


“The ongoing pressure the travel industry continues to face as a result of pandemic uncertainties has been difficult but it’s also been pivotal in the awakening of mental health and wellbeing concerns.” Charities Reuben’s Retreat


and Rose’s Way Foundation, both set up by travel industry figures, collaborated on an animated film to help children’s mental health. The project, run by psychotherapist The Worry Wizard, is entitled Together Not Alone, and was released for World Mental Health Day. Touring and river cruise firm


APT ran a Mental Health Awareness


Month in September. i Mental Health Matters, page 12


Jet2 to host conference in Leeds next month


Jet2holidays is to host its annual conference for independent travel agents in Leeds, with more than 100 trade partners invited to the one-day event on November 25. The operator plans to emphasise its intentions to strengthen partnerships with the trade. Chief executive Steve Heapy and head of trade Alan Cross will be among the speakers.


Reilly takes helm of Hays’ Explorer Travel


Steven Reilly (pictured) has been promoted by Hays Travel to general manager for homeworking franchise arm Explorer Travel, acquired in June. He joined Hays Travel from Thomas Cook in October 2019 with Hays’ acquisition of the failed travel group’s retail arm.


EasyJet holidays hires Carrick as BDM for south


EasyJet holidays has appointed Dom Carrick (pictured) as business development manager to look after agents in the south. He joins from If Only, where he spent 12 years. The operator has also hired Lisa Muschamp, who will support its trade team and visit southeast agents.


window posters printed from the TMS Marketing Manager system and digital screens. Operators can upload offers


to a central index, which agents can use to generate own-branded window posters, emails and social media posts. Founder Steve Rushton said:


“QR codes have been around for a while, but the pandemic has meant they are now part of everyday life. “It’s a complete game changer for


shop-window marketing. Customers can fire off an enquiry even when the shop is closed, meaning fewer missed opportunities for agents.”


travelweekly.co.uk


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