NEWS ROUND-UP
COMMENT: “Instagramming grannies and Pinterest pensioners share entirely different content to younger users” Gordon McCreadie, page 36
IN THE PICTURE: Ball raises £3k
More than £3,500 was raised for Reuben’s Retreat at this year’s Travel Weekly Northern Ball in Manchester. The charity was set up in memory of the son of industry
professionals Nicola and Mike Graham who died at 23 months. To date, it has supported 608 children and adults. Nicola addressed guests at last week’s event, which had
an 80s and 90s theme, before being joined by members of her team who encouraged attendees onto the dancefloor. A total of £3,532 was raised including a £2,000 donation
from Bourne Leisure. Reuben’s Retreat was six last month and has been the Northern Ball’s charity for five years. Nicola (centre) and team are pictured in Wham!-inspired fancy dress.
Agent experts could gain from new TripAdvisor
Ben Ireland
ben.ireland@
travelweekly.co.uk
TripAdvisor’s announcement that it intends to become the ‘Facebook of travel’ is being tipped as an opportunity for agents and brands to establish themselves as influencers on the world’s most-used travel site.
The reviews giant, which has
456 million global users, this week revealed details of the next evolution of its website, which will allow users to follow travel brands and influencers they trust. It will fully launch later this year. The new site is being tested with
500 travel ‘partners’, who will be able to add their expertise to the 661 million traveller reviews. Bruce Martin, managing director
of travel social media consultancy Ginger Juice, said TripAdvisor’s move created an opportunity for small, independent agencies. “If a travel agent gets [involved],
they can create a huge reach,” he said. “It can be a valuable platform speaking direct to consumers.” Martin said agents could capitalise on the new TripAdvisor site by being among the first to
JTA Travel appoints Riches to boost sales via new channels
Trade-only operator JTA Travel is looking to develop its business through online travel agencies, call centres, tour operators and specialist agents.
JTA has recruited Paul Riches
as head of specialist sales to grow business through such channels. He has previously worked for Bedswithease, Lowcostbeds and
Youtravel.com. Riches said: “JTA wants to
develop its business with OTAs, call centres, tour operators and specialist agents, which are areas I know very well. JTA has a great presence with traditional, retail agents, and has long-established
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travelweekly.co.uk 20 September 2018
“There’s a danger that agents could be giving their advice away for free”
apply to be a verified expert. He said agents could boost their business by commiting “just a couple of hours a week” to the site. “In five years’ time you could
be the number‑one expert [on TripAdvisor] for Florida holidays.” But Martin warned TripAdvisor’s
shift from customer‑only reviews could call into question the impartiality of assessments. Si Morris-Green, marketing
director at The Travel Network Group, said: “We embrace any initiative that helps members raise their profile, and I really like the concept and that they are reaching out to independent travel sellers. “But it depends on how they
execute it,” he added, noting that TripAdvisor has its own booking engine. “There’s a danger that agents could be giving their advice away for free and customers
will take it and book online.” ›What do you think? Email
editorial@travelweekly.co.uk
relationships with all the consortia.” He said JTA was particularly
RICHES: ‘These channels are areas I know very well’
strong in the US, Dubai, Australia and Asia. Managing director Wayne Darrock said: “We are delighted to have Paul on board to assist us to grow our business through these channels. We have improved our technology and now offer our full range of flights, hotels and cruises through our desktop model, or via a direct API connection.”
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