Paul Melinis
APT managing director for UK and Europe
Q. As the entertainment sponsor of this year’s Agent Achievement Awards, what makes this event stand out for APT? A. There are plenty of events throughout the year that celebrate achievements, but the Agent Achievement Awards is certainly one in the calendar that stands out as agents and operators come together, have lots of fun and celebrate successes. With a large proportion of our business coming from the trade, we not only want to celebrate with agents but are also providing the main entertainment on the night.
With just two weeks to go until the big night, we catch up with Paul Melinis of APT, entertainment sponsor of this year’s Agent Achievement Awards
Q. The AAAs are the biggest travel agent awards in the UK. What have you been doing this year to improve your relationship with the trade? A. So far, 2019 has been a year of substantial investment in the trade from APT and we have changed our strategy. Following face-to-face agent research, we quickly recognised that while our trade business has been constantly growing, there was room to increase our engagement levels with the frontline. On that basis, we decided to invest in our on-road-sales team, recruiting new business development managers. Many have come from agencies, enabling us to fully understand what an agent
needs from first-hand experience. With a shift in focus towards more training, fam trips and incentives, we have seen a significant increase in new agents booking with us.
Q. Why are agents so important to your business? A. There has been so much news regarding the resurgence of the travel agent over the past few years, but I believe they always will be the key distribution channel for operators. Agents have changed their business models to become specialists in different sectors. It was certainly needed, and they are now seeing the benefits. At APT, the travel trade is in our DNA, but we also need to make sure we are delivering for them and their customers. Working with us is easy, lucrative and fun, with customer service that is second to none, and that’s what we call #TheAPTdifference.
Q. The 2019 awards have some new categories. Which is the most exciting for your company? A. I’m probably biased but it has to be the Atas Ambassador of the Year. The touring sector, alongside river cruise, is thriving. As a champion of these sectors, it’s great to see an agent be
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
HEADLINE SPONSORS
HOST SPONSOR
agentachievementawards.co.uk
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