Disney unveils all-in-one trade resource platform
Andrew McQuarrie
Disney has unveiled a new trade platform, Pixie Dust HQ, providing information and resources about each of its main products. Previously, information about
Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and Disney Cruise Line was spread across multiple platforms. The new site –
pixiedusthq.com
– was designed following agent feedback and aims to make it easier for the trade to access news, competitions and campaigns. Torey Kings-Hodkin, trade sales
and marketing director EMEA at Disney Destinations International, said: “We’ve built this platform very much with agents in mind. We want to make people’s lives really easy.” The training offered on the
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We’ve built this with
agents in mind – we want to make people’s lives really easy
platform will be “immersive”, she said, adding: “We want agents to feel like they have experienced Disney and to feel like they’re in the resort.” Agents will collect Pixie Dust
points for completing training, giving them the chance to access rewards. An event celebrating its creation
is due to be attended by 120 agents at Outernet in London. Describing the venue, Kings-Hodkin said: “There are floor-to-ceiling digital screens, so immersive content will
surround the delegates in the room.” Hundreds of agents have also
signed up to an online event offering a preview of Pixie Dust HQ, she added. The slogan of the new resource is
‘News, training, rewards and more to help travel professionals soar’. Kings-Hodkin said: “Until now,
we’ve had all of our [trade] information spread across multiple resources. So, for the first time, we’re bringing all of that together into one digital destination.
Which? alleges ‘widespread
problems’ with travel insurance Which? has instigated a super-complaint after uncovering “widespread problems” in the travel and home insurance sectors. A year-long investigation by the consumer champion pointed to “systemic problems” with how policies are sold and explained and how claims are handled. The consumer body is calling for the Financial Conduct Authority to launch an investigation.
8 25 SEPTEMBER 2025
Pixie Dust HQ is set to go live at 11am on Friday; inset: Torey Kings-Hodkin
“I started my career a long time ago
as an agent and I still remember what it’s like having the customer in front of you and not having the information you need to have the knowledge and confidence to close the sale.” She added Disney had completed
“a lot of work” over the past 18 months, including travel agent panels and forums, and promised further changes would be made pending feedback about the new facility. The Pixie Dust HQ platform is
due to go live at 11am on Friday, September 26. Prior to that, Disney Destinations will run a virtual event for agents to preview the site at 10am. To sign up, visit:
tinyurl.com/ddsomethingmagical.
Delamere-White steps down
from role at HX Expeditions Alex Delamere-White will step down as chief commercial officer at HX Expeditions on October 31 as part of a leadership restructure. Delamere-White, who took up the role in July 2023, said: “Trade partners can be assured these changes will not impact the strength of our relationships or the continuity of our plans.”
Trade pays tribute to ‘travel legend’ Sandy Murray
Tributes have been paid to Sandy Murray (pictured), long-time organiser of the Yorkshire Travel Trade Ball, who died on Saturday aged 78 after a period of ill health. Murray, of Sandy’s Travel Escapes,
had raised more than £130,000 for various charities over the past 25 years, prior to last year’s ball. Among those paying tribute
online was James Broughton, former partner marketing manager at Leeds Bradford airport, who described Murray as “a true legend”. Idle Travel owner Tony Mann,
who is organising this year’s Yorkshire Travel Trade Ball on September 25, said: “She was warm, lovely, funny and caring – one in a zillion. I was very lucky to have her in my life.” Reuben’s Retreat founder Nicola
Graham said in a tribute: “Your beautiful travel ball is woven into our story and your beautiful thread and sequins shine brightly today on the tapestry of our journey.” Not Just Travel senior trade
business development manager Emma Holliday said: “Sandy was always full of colour and sparkle. The travel industry has lost not just a friend but a legend too.”
Clia Conference 2026 to be held
in Southampton on June 4-6 Clia UK and Ireland’s 2026 conference will take place on June 4-6 in Southampton. The association’s 18th annual conference will include ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair and sailaway party. An optional New to Selling Cruise Day will take place on June 3. Information on how to register will be announced soon, along with details of the theme and keynote speakers.
travelweekly.co.uk
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