Willis-Edwards launches firm to safeguard Tipto
Juliet Dennis
Tipto has been saved from potential closure as a result of a move to a new management company set up by long-time events director Lorna Willis-Edwards. The travel supplier marketing
organisation had been a part of Menzies Distribution, which decided to axe its events division. Willis-Edwards, who had been
Tipto events director for seven years, was employed by Menzies but made redundant at the end of 2020. She has now set up her own
company, Spirit Marketing & Events, with the transfer of Tipto to Spirit set to officially complete on April 1. Managing director Willis-Edwards
plans to hold six Tipto roadshows, each for about 50 agents, in July and August, with the events adhering to Covid guidelines such as social distancing. Virtual training days are also likely, but Willis-Edwards said she was not yet scheduling any of Tipto’s bigger Super Show events. The transfer would not entail any
changes for supplier members or agents, said Willis-Edwards. From September, the start of
Tipto’s next financial year, a fresh round of about 25 agent roadshows is being planned, potentially with new
‘We’re hoping to start afresh,’ says Lorna Willis- Edwards; far left: Tipto prizewinner Chris Allen, The Travel House
supplier members on board. “We’re hoping to start afresh,”
said Willis-Edwards. “I’m under no illusions; it will not be easy and we won’t get 25 members as we have had in previous years.” Currently, Tipto has 10 supplier
members after losing some, including Shearings Holidays and Cruise & Maritime Voyages, which both went into administration in 2020. Others to leave include Bourne Leisure, after it decided to stop selling through the trade, and Great Rail Journeys. Tipto cancelled its 2020 events due to Covid, while keeping its
Northern Ireland creates £1m support scheme for travel agents Travel agents in Northern Ireland have been granted access to support of up to £10,000 for those operating from commercial premises and £3,500 for self-employed homeworkers. The £1 million Travel Agents Scheme opened last week and follows similar sector-specific support in Scotland. Abta welcomed the news and continues to call for similar measures in England and Wales.
8 18 MARCH 2021
website, social media and online training going. “It came to a standstill,” said Willis-Edwards, who was furloughed before losing her job. She added: “Menzies has been
very supportive, and Tipto members encouraged me to do it. Most people
know me as Tipto!” Q Chris Allen, of The Travel House, won a goodie bag from Scenic and Emerald Cruises through a Tipto competition in February. Agents who completed the sister brands’ training module on
tipto.co.uk were entered into a prize draw as part of their Share the Love campaign.
Tui sets June dates for Marella Cruises and Tui River Cruises Tui has pushed back the restart of Marella Cruises operations to June 30 and the launch of new line Tui River Cruises to June 28. Clia UK chairman Tony Roberts said most lines would need 12 weeks to get ready to sail again in the wake of last week’s confirmation that domestic cruise sailings could resume on May 17.
Atas unveils Lite membership for smaller operators
The Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers has unveiled a new Lite membership level, aimed at smaller and niche operators. The Atas Lite option is designed
to expand the reach and influence of the association among the trade and consumers. Currently, the association offers
full membership for tour operators and associate membership for suppliers working with the sector, including destinations, airlines, service and ancillary providers. Lite members can access the
touringandadventure.com website – which will soon feature a dedicated Lite section, use the Atas logo on websites and marketing material, and access training. They can also take part in virtual business workshops and send two representatives to the annual Atas conference. Atas account director Claire
Brighton said: “We’re building an engaged, dynamic community.” Atas is to hold online
networking sessions and training webinars as part of its first Touring
and Adventure Month in April. i To find out more, email:
claire.brighton@
touringandadventure.com
Baxter Hoare collapses in same week as Strand and Silver Ski Three travel agencies ceased trading last week. The CAA confirmed the failure of London-based corporate specialist Baxter Hoare Travel, which was originally founded as a shipping and freight company in 1883. The collapse of Bristol-based cruise and coastal voyages specialist Strand Travel was also confirmed by the authority, as was the failure of Kent-based Silver Ski Holidays.
travelweekly.co.uk
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