2019 Preferred Supplier Manual

7th Edition

Preferred SUPPLIER MANUAL

Accommodation

Insurance

Airlines

Technology

Car Rental

Tour Operators

Cruise

Transfers

Ferries

Travel Services

Ground Arrangements

2019

Don’t miss a connection!

The agency network that’s going places w travelcentres.ie T 051 383 622 E info@travelcentres.ie

Contents

Useful Information

Car Rental Services

Websites 4 Telephone Numbers 5 Personal Contacts 7 Usernames & Passwords 7 Calendar 2019 8 Calendar 2020 9

Affordable Car Hire 61 Flexible Autos 63 Hertz 65

Top Tips Management 10 Delegation 12 Time Management 13 Selling Travel Insurance 14 Selling Car Hire 15 Selling 17 Handling Objections 18 Marketing 19 Public Relations 20 Customer Retention 21 Handling Complaints 22 Maximising Profit 23 Cutting Costs 24 Productivity 25 Using Google 26 Using Facebook for Business 27 Handling Vat 28 New Year’s Resolutions For 2019 29 Guarding Against Credit Card Fraud 31

Celebrity Cruises 67 Hurtigruten 69 Marella Cruises 71 Oceania Cruises 73 Ponant 75 Royal Caribbean 77 Silversea 79 U by Uniworld 81 Uniworld 83

Ferries Irish Ferries

85

Ground Arrangements Attraction World 87 Do Something Different 88 RailShop.ie 91

Insurance Accident & General

93

Technology Travelport 95 Zenotec 123

Resources Website of the Week List of Blogs

Cruising

32 35

Accommodation Bedsonline 41 Bookabed.ie 43 Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP) 45 Globehotels 47 James Villas 49 Stuba 51

Airlines Air France / KLM 53 Aer Lingus 55 Finnair 57 United 59

Tour Operators Breakaway 97 Classic Collection 99 Crystal 101 GTI - The Group Travel Specialists 103 Intrepid 105 Insight Vacations 107 Riviera Travel 109 Sunway 111 Travel Solutions 113 Wendy Wu Tours 115

Transfers hoppaGo 117

Travel Services Dublin Airport Travel Services

119

General Conference 2017

120

Travel Centres T 051 383 622 14, The Fairways, Golf Links Road, E info@travelcentres.ie Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, Ireland. W www.travelcentres.ie All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Publisher’s Note: Whilst care has been taken in compiling the information contained in this manual, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. © Travel Centres 2018.

3

Useful Information Websites

A

B

C

www.barclaycardbusiness.co.uk www.bedsonline.com www.belfastairport.com www.bestholidaysinitaly.com www.birminghamairport.co.uk www.blackpoolinternational.com www.blueinsurance.ie www.bookabed.ie www.bournemouthairport.com www.breakaway.ie www.bristolairport.co.uk www.budgetyourtrip.com www.buseireann.ie www.calluma.com www.caribtours.ie www.celebritycruises.co.uk www.chartsbin.com www.cilt.ie www.cityofderryairport.com www.classic-collection.ie www.conduit.com www.contiki.com www.corkairport.com www.coursera.com www.cruiseholidayguide.com www.cruisingpower.ie www.crystalholidays.ie www.cubatravel.ie

D

www.dayuse-hotels.com www.dectek.ie www.discovertravel.ie www.discoverypuglia.com www.distancefromto.net www.donegalairport.ie www.dosomethingdifferent.com www.dublinairport.com

E

www.eastmidlandsairport.com www.eat2eat.com www.econcepts.ie www.edinburghairport.com www.embassyworld.com www.emirates.com/ie www.etihad.com www.eurocamp4agents.ie www.evernote.com www.exeter-airport.co.uk www.expedia.ie/TAAP-Info

F

4

www.a2bairportparking.com www.aberdeenairport.com www.accidentgeneral.ie www.adventure-holidays.ie www.affordablecarhire.com www.airlinequality.com www.airlinemeals.net www.ie.amadeus.com www.aslairlines.fr/en www.attractionworld.com www.aviationreg.ie www.azamaracruises.co.uk

www.festivals.com www.fetchmyluggage.co.uk www.fexco.com www.filedropper.com www.flatseats.com www.flexibleautos.com www.flightrights.ie www.flysas.ie www.flywaterford.com

F G

www.freecrm.com www.freetranslation.com www.gadventures.com www.galwayairport.com www.getairmail.com www.glasgowairport.com www.glasgowprestwick.com www.globehotels.ie www.gti-ireland.com www.guernsey-airport.gov.gg

H

www.heathrowairport.com www.hertz.ie www.hipmunk.com www.holidaytaxis.com www.hollandamerica.co.uk www.hoppa.com www.hotspot-directory.com www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

I

www.ifonly.ie www.iifa.ie www.imagine.ie www.insightvacations.com www.interhome.ie www.intrepidtravel.com www.iom-airport.com www.irelandwestairport.com www.irishferries.com www.irishpubsdirectory.com www.irishrail.ie www.itaa.ie www.ittn.ie

J K

www.jerseyairport.com www.join.me

L

www.launcheffectapp.com www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk www.libreoffice.org www.liverpoolairport.com www.logotournament.com www.londoncityairport.com www.london-luton.co.uk www.longatwickairport.com www.lynda.com

M

www.mailchimp.com www.mailinator.com www.manchesterairport.co.uk www.mikogo.com www.moonfruit.com www.morguefile.com www.msccruises.ie www.msgtag.com/home www.mywot.com

P Q R

www.nationaltransport.ie www.newcastleairport.com www.nileguide.com www.nra.ie

O

www.obeo-travel.ie www.oceaniacruises.com www.openflights.org www.oxfordairport.co.uk

www.quora.com www.railshop.ie www.raveable.com www.rivieratravel.ie www.robinhoodairport.com www.royalcaribbean.ie www.rsa.ie

S

www.sanebox.com www.seabourn.co.uk www.seat61.com www.seatguru.com www.shannonairport.com www.silversea.com www.similarsites.com www.similarsitesearch.com www.sligoairport.com www.southamptonairport.com www.southendairport.com www.spain.info www.sportstours.ie www.stanstedairport.com www.stenaline.ie www.stepuptravel.com www.stuba.com www.synneo.ie www.sunway.ie www.ie.superbreak.com

T

www.tbicardiffairport.com www.teuxdeux.com www.timeanddate.com www.tmb.ie www.towd.com www.transport.ie www.travelbiz.ie www.travelextra.ie www.travelfinders.ie www.travelfocus.ie www.travelfox.ie www.travel-industry-dictionary.com www.travelmedia.ie www.travelport.com/ireland www.travel-solutions.co.uk www.turkishairlines.com www.typingweb.com

U V W

www.united.com/ie www.uniworld.ie

Z

www.zamzar.com www.zenotec.ie

www.keithprowse.ie www.kerryairport.com www.kropla.com

N

www.packagetrackr.com www.pagemodo.com www.penzu.com

www.visafirst.com www.viajeseuroamerica.com www.wendywutours.com www.wickedcampers.com www.whatsonwhen.com www.wheretoskiandsnowboard.com www.wikihow.com www.world66.com www.worldclimate.com www.worldreviewer.com www.wtgonline.com

Useful Information Telephone Numbers

A

B

C

D

E

F G H I

A2Bairportparking.com +44 1488 804 808 Accident & General Insurance 01 874 8458 Adventure Holidays 01 259 0133 Affordable Car Hire 076 801 164 Amadeus 01 879 2500 Attraction World +44 121 486 0300 ASL Airlines France + 353 1 882 8680 Azamara Cruises +44 844 493 4016

Barclaycard (Commercial) +44 844 822 2100 Barclaycard (Technical) +44 844 811 6666 Bedsonline 0818 275 722 Belfast Airport +44 28 9448 4848 Best Holidays in Italy 01 254 4280 Birmingham Airport +44 871 222 0072 Blackpool Airport +44 844 482 7171 Blue Insurance 0818 484 484 Bookabed 0818 365 465 Bournemouth Airport +44 1202 364 000 Bristol Airport +44 871 334 4344 Breakaway.ie 01 607 9999 Bus Éireann 01 8366 111

Cardiff Airport +44 1446 711111 Caribtours 01 431 9700 Celebrity Cruises 1800 932 611 Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport 01 676 3188 Classic Collection 01 541 3000 Commission for Aviation regulation 01 661 1700 Contiki 01 775 3838 Cork Airport 021 4 31 31 31 Cosmos (TravelFox) 1890 989802 Cruisingexcursions.com +44 800 091 8274 Crystal Holidays 01 433 1028

Department of Transport 01 670 7444 Derry Airport +44 28 7181 0784 Discover Travel 021 463 5440 Discovery Puglia 01 254 4280 Donegal Airport 074 954 8284 Do Something Different 1800 80 40 44 Dublin Airport 01 814 1111

East Midlands Airport +44 1332 852939 E-Concepts 01 5240 040 Edinburgh Airport +44 844 481 8989 Emirates 01 516 1600 Etihad Airlines 01 765 1800 Eurocamp (formerly Keycamp) 021 425 2300 Exeter Airport +44 1392 367 433 Expedia TAAP 01 517 1525

Fexco 066 976 1258 Flexible Autos 021 601 9067

G Adventures 01 697 1360 Galway Airport 091 755 569 Glasgow (International) Airport +44 844 481 5555 Glasgow (Prestwick) Airport +44 871 223 0700 Globe Hotels 01 256 9529 GTI (Group Travel International) 01 843 4734

Hertz Car Rental 053 915 2500 Holiday Taxis +44 1273 828 210 Holland America Line +44 843 374 2300 hoppa.com +44 1488 804 808 Hurtigruten 01 607 4420

Iarnród Éireann 01 8366 222 If Only …

01 447 5275 Insight Vacations 01 775 3838 Interhome 01 431 1086 Intrepid Travel +44 203 308 9753 Ireland West Airport (Knock) 094 936 8100 Irish International Freight Association 01 854 5411

I J K L

M N O R S

T

U V

Irish Ferries 0818 300 400 Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) 01 417 9696 Irish Travel Trade News 01 450 2422 Isle Of Man Airport +44 1624 821600 Jersey Airport

Keith Prowse Kerry Airport

Leeds/Bradford Airport Liverpool Airport London City Airport London Gatwick Airport London Heathrow Airport London Stansted Airport London Luton Airport London Southend Airport

Manchester Airport Metropolitan Touring MSC Cruises

National Roads Authority National Transport Authority Newcastle Airport

+44 1534 446 000 01 878 3500 066 976 4644 +44 871 288 2288 +44 871 521 8484 +44 207 646 0088 +44 844 892 0322 +44 844 335 1801 +44 844 335 1803 +44 158 240 5100 +44 1702 538500 +44 8712 710711 +44 208 675 4150 1800 932 499 01 660 2511 01 879 8300 +44 871 882 1121

Obeo Travel +47 941 57 414 Oceania Cruises +44 345 505 1920 Oxford Airport +44 1865 290 600

RailShop.ie 01 882 8679 Resort Hoppa 01 828 0765 Riviera Travel 01 905 6300 Road Safety Authority 1890 406 040 Royal Caribbean 1800 555 604

Scandinavian Airlines (agents sales support) 01 844 5888 Shannon Airport 061 712000 Sheffield Airport +44 871 220 2210 Seabourn +44 843 373 2000 Silversea 01 611 0560 Sligo Airport 071 916 8280 Southampton Airport +44 844 481 7777 Spanish Tourist Board 01 635 0200 www.sportstours.ie 01 4572311 Stena Line, Dún Laoighaire 01 204 7722 Stena Line, Rosslare 053 61560 Stuba 1800 939 130 Sunway 01 231 1800 Superbreak 01 695 0000 Syneo 01 547 7884

The Travel Corporation 01 775 3803 Thomson Cruises 1800 927 404 TravelBiz 087 256 7962 Travel Extra 01 291 3708 Travelfinders 01 496 6644 Travel Focus 1890 929 323 Travel Media 086 8583585 Travelport 01 602 0444 Travel Solutions 048 9045 5030

United Airlines 01 672 7070 Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 01 775 3838

Vertical Group +44 800 983 000 Viajes Euroamerica +34 95 205 8366 Visa First 056 777 1227

Wu W Wendy Wicked Campers Z Zenotec

0818 776 380 +44 203 086 8606 091 397 488

5

www.Travelbiz.ie The Travel Industry Directory and Diary.

• Travelbiz Weekly Trade E-zines • Travelbiz Daily News Bulletins • TravelbizTV • Travelbiz Social Media platform Travel Trade Buzz direct to your desktop and inbox every day.

Get your hands on your free copy TODAY...

Follow us on:

www.Travelbiz.ie Camden Business Centre 12 Camden Row Dublin 8, Ireland Don Shearer T: +353 87 2497017 don@travelbiz.ie

Useful Information Personal Contacts Name

Phone Number

Email

Website

Usernames & Passwords Website

Username

Password

7

Useful Information Calendar 2019

January 2019 M

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30 9

Top Tips Management

DEFINITION: Management in businesses and organizations is the function that coordinates the efforts of people to accomplish goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively.

Management includes planning, organizing, staffing, leading or directing, and controlling an organization to accomplish the goal.

Resourcing encompasses the deployment and manipulation of human resources, financial resources, technological resources, and natural resources.

Being a good travel agent is so much more than just knowing who does what and where or how to sell the right travel experience to a prospective customer. With ownership comes responsibility and it is in everyone’s interest that each owner/ manager successfully navigates the choppy and sometimes uncharted waters of modern commerce in order to not only deliver a memorable experience to their customers but also a sustainable and rewarding future for themselves and those in their employ. Here are some top tips for how you can make such aspirations a reality in 2016!

1 Cut your costs Since the net margin (after costs) that travel agents work off is around 1%, this is probably the single most important priority for the modern travel agent since every €1 saved is the equivalent of generating €100 in additional sales. It should also be an ongoing process and not just something that gets done once a year when you’re not busy. Scrutinise and question everything: salary levels, rental costs, advertising/marketing spend, telephone and banking overheads, heating, lighting, travel & subsistence expenses etc.

every €1 saved is the equivalent of generating €100 in additional sales

2 Increase your productivity.

Do more with less. Scrutinise everyone’s work rate. Are the right people being deployed to do the right jobs? Do they have the personality/ patience/skillset appropriate to the work being delegated to them? Are some tasks unnecessary?

Do you create additional workload unnecessarily due to mistakes and ineffective forward planning?

(See separate article on productivity).

10

3 Take a step back and review what you’re doing and why?

Are you going after the right markets or customers or are you simply being busy fools? When was the last time that you conducted a SWOT analysis of your business and its competitors? Are there easier ways to make money or more lucrative market segments (such as cruising or touring) that you should be targeting instead?

4 Give staff training the priority that it deserves.

View it as an investment rather than a cost. Welltrained staff will feel more motivated and valued and are also less likely to leave your company to go to a competitor. They are also more likely to sell more and thus deliver a higher return on your initial investment.

5 Meet regularly.

Hold a staff meeting every week — preferably at the beginning of the working week and review the week just past in terms of highlights (best sales), lowlights (biggest problems — particularly if avoidable), and lessons that can be learned from same.

Top Tips Management

Set tone for coming week and delegate specific tasks or projects for the week/period to come.

Such meetings are also a good time to get staff to deliver a presentation to all colleagues on an aspect of the business that they’ve been asked to swot up on/take ownership of in the previous week — e.g. learning about a new product, supplier or destination, especially if just returned from an educational to that destination.

6 Delegate.

Come to the realisation that you simply can’t do it all and that you need to empower other people within the agency to take on some of the responsibility and relieve you of some of the pressure. They will appreciate you for the vote of confidence and will also add additional capabilities to their respective skillsets. (See separate article on the art of delegation).

7 Marketing.

You can have the best travel agency in the world and provide the best service levels for your customers but your business will ultimately be doomed if you cannot continue to acquire new customers whilst retaining the existing ones and the only way that you can do that quickly (as opposed to organically, over time) is to market yourself and your business effectively.

The marketing mix will inevitably include some or all of the following activities: advertising, marketing, PR, promotions, incentives, interviews, writing articles for local publications etc.

8 Motivation & incentivisation.

This does not necessarily mean throwing money at people but it does mean acknowledging when people do a good job or show some initiative.

Of course nothing speaks louder than money but if you do decide to implement some sort of incentive scheme amongst staff, base it on increases in margin per sale rather than just sales themselves.

9 Exploit technology.

Using the right kind of technology for the right reasons can dramatically increase the overall productivity of your agency and lead to higher sales, better margins and less stress all round. If you don’t already utilise CRM software (customer relationship management), do so without delay.

10Prevention is always better than cure and much less costly!

Human error costs travel agents thousands every single year yet rarely if ever is singled out on a company’s accounts so that it can be properly quantified. Take your time and double if not triple-check everything.

11

Top Tips Delegation

DEFINITION: Delegation is the assignment of responsibility or authority to another person (normally from a manager to a subordinate) to carry out specific activities. It is one of the core concepts of management leadership. However, the person who delegates the work remains accountable for the outcome of the delegated work.

Delegation empowers a subordinate to make decisions — i.e. it is a shift of decision-making authority from one organizational level to a lower one. Delegation, if properly done, is not abdication. The opposite of effective delegation is micromanagement, where a manager provides too much input, direction, and review of delegated work. In general, delegation is good and can save money and time and help in building skills and motivating people. It is all too easy to try and do every job yourself, particularly if you feel that it would take longer to explain how to do the job to someone else rather than just do it yourself but proper and effective delegation is probably the single most important management skill that any travel agency owner can acquire, if they are to manage their own business in the medium to long term.

1 Decide what to delegate

5 Be patient and understanding

If you’re just dipping your toes in the delegating water, start with a small project, or one that doesn’t have to be completed in a specific way. Don’t assign your most critical, time-sensitive tasks, and leave ample time for mistakes to happen (that means don’t pass off something at 5 PM on Thursday when it needs to be back on your desk first thing Friday morning). Most importantly, never delegate something you’re not willing to do yourself— that’s the fastest way to lose your staff’s respect.

While delegating will take work off your plate in the long run, be prepared to take extra time out of your schedule and answer lots of questions at the beginning. Just be patient—as you learn how your staff work best, and as they learn your expectations, things will get easier.

2 Communicate clearly Open, clear communication from the outset is absolutely crucial to ensuring that the projects you delegate will be done well. From the very beginning of the task/project, be up-front about your expectations, including timeline, and give your staff all of the information they need to achieve those goals. It can be helpful to put everything in writing or provide people with a template or guidelines for the task/ project—the more direction you give them, the more likely they’ll come back with what you’re looking for.

3 Explain the reasons You must explain why the job or responsibility is being delegated. And why to that person or people? What is its importance and relevance? Where does it fit in the overall scheme of things?

4 Check in, but don’t be overbearing Once you delegate a task, give your staff flexibility on how they get it done (unless, of course, there’s a specific protocol or procedure). Dominating a project with an overbearing presence doesn’t encourage anyone to succeed—and certainly won’t win you any ‘Boss of the Year’ nominations. But do check in periodically to make sure everyone is on the right track and to offer to answer questions as needed. Try using systems like shared Google docs and spreadsheets or having periodic team meetings to keep everyone on the same page and moving forward.

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6 Share in rewards and give credit where due Taking all of the credit for a project that others assisted with is a great way to make sure they’ll never want to help you out again. Be sure to recognize and thank anyone who’s helped you out. Give public credit when they succeed. If something goes wrong, withhold blame so they don’t becoming defensive, and instead help them debrief mistakes and learn from them.

7 Don’t take it back.

Require them to first propose their own ideas for solutions when they come to you with a problem. When they ask you for the answer, it is tempting to take on their work. If they have the skills but are lacking confidence or motivation, coach them. Don’t take it back unless it is absolutely clear that the situation has become too complex.

8 Maintain accountability.

Although the person reporting directly to you has the responsibility for seeing the job well done and the authority to make needed decisions, remember that the ultimate accountability remains with you.

9 Delegate consistently.

Delegate consistently — not just when you are overloaded or when tasks are unpleasant.

Top Tips Time Management

DEFINITION: Time management is the act or process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency or productivity. It is a meta-activity with the goal to maximize the overall benefit of a set of other activities within the boundary condition of a limited amount of time.

There are only so many hours in a day or week so it is critically important that you maximise the use of that time and in a way that is effective as opposed to being engaged in activity that simply makes you look busy without actually ever getting anything done. Most effective time-management practices are just common sense.

1 The ‘To Do’ list*.

8 Structure your workload.

I am a great believer of the ‘To Do’ list as it helps to quantify what needs to get done and it also helps you to prioritise the relevance and importance of tasks.

Avoid the habit of commencing a task; doing a bit and then putting it back on the ‘pile’. Deal with tasks one at a time and finish each before moving on to the next.

2 Review your workload on a regular basis

9 Don’t let your Outlook ‘inbox’ dictate your workload.

i.e. every day or even several times a day. Is there one task that always ends up at the bottom of the pile?

If you receive 100 emails per day then this equates to 100 potential interruptions per day! Don’t check your inbox every time an email arrives. Switch off ‘instant alerts’ and get into the habit of just checking your emails every couple of hours in order to avoid constant distractions.

If you find that you’re avoiding it, can someone else do it?

Consider delegating whole projects that you don’t need to be involved in or allocate a specific time of the day when you only do your admin work — e.g. between 08.30 and 10.00 for example.

3 Remember the Pareto Principle — i.e. 80 per cent of your work contributes to less than 20 per cent of its value. Focus on the most crucial/important 20 per cent of your workload and your overall performance will still be strong.

4 Prioritise.

Do urgent and important tasks first — not the easy ones!

Efficiency and effectiveness are not the same thing.

Effective people focus on the important tasks.

5 Create habits.

10 Keep multi-tasking to a minimum Starting a number of jobs simultaneously means most of them won’t get your undivided attention.

Think of multitasking as dealing with more than one task during the day and not at the same time.

That way, you focus on the project in hand.

11 Avoid procrastination.

The best time to do something is usually now. Taking action generates the impetus for further action. Organise your work to meet deadlines and reward yourself for achieving goals.

12 Handle each piece of paper that crosses your desk only once:

Try to undertake tasks at the same time and in the same location each day in order to form habits.

File it; action it or bin it!

6 Set realistic deadlines for your tasks.

• • • • • • •

Look at your ‘To Do’ list and estimate the amount of time needed to complete each task but don’t be over optimistic.

Be realistic in what you can achieve in a given day or week so that you don’t feel overwhelmed right from the start.

7 Allow time for interruptions.

If you’ve set yourself the goal of finishing a certain task by a certain time, only deal with urgent queries during that particular time frame.

Advantages* of using a ‘To Do’ list:

• • • • •

Focuses your mind on important objectives You are less likely to forget to undertake tasks Writing a list helps to organise your thoughts It helps to show the bigger picture You don’t need to hold everything in your head It saves time It helps you focus on priorities; the most important and the most urgent You are less likely to become side-tracked You enjoy the reward of ticking of completed tasks You feel more in control You have an instant record of what you’ve already done You always have something to work on

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Top Tips Selling Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is a vital part of any overseas trip. It is important that when anyone is travelling abroad that they have a valid and comprehensive travel insurance policy in place. In recent years, international travellers have also seen inflation in overseas medical costs of up to 13%; a rise in airport and airline strikes and who can forget the eruption of that unpronounceable Icelandic volcano, whose ash cloud caused havoc in European airspace!

As your clients’ travel professional, there is no reason why they should not be buying their travel insurance from you. If your client is not buying it from you then they are buying it elsewhere and that represents lost income to your company. The following tips, if implemented by you, will help you maximise your insurance revenue and have already been proven to work.

1 Confidence Be confident in the insurance product that you are selling.

Make sure you have up to date sales training from your insurance supplier and that all staff are confident in selling the product. Feedback given to us has shown that the main reason for a drop off in sales is down to the sales agents’ attitude in selling travel insurance and ‘lack of confidence or knowledge’ in how to sell it. Agents who have received training and improved their knowledge and attitude on insurance product have seen a rise in insurance sales and more income for their respective businesses.

2 The Travel Insurance product Familiarise yourself with the travel Insurance product that you sell. Make sure your sales staff have continuous training from your insurance provider so that they are familiar with the key terms and different cover levels of your preferred insurance policy. Top Tip: Knowledge leads to confidence and confidence leads to sales.

3 Health check procedure Be sure to familiarise yourself with the Health Check procedure on the travel insurance policy your company is selling. Each client must be advised of the Health Check procedure at the time of sale and most commonly this will involve a medical screening facility or in some cases, a fit to fly option where a letter needs to be signed by a GP.

4 Additional covers Offer all clients the option of adding additional covers at the time of booking. Most insurance policies will have additional covers like Travel Disruption, Cruise Connection and Excess Waiver to make the basic policy more comprehensive.

Top tips suggested by Jason Whelan CIP, Blue Insurance

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These additional covers not only provide more protection to your client but also generate additional revenue for your company. Top Tip: Be sure to make families aware that any excess deducted will usually be for each person named on the policy. If a family of 5 are making a cancellation claim for example, they could lose out on 5 times the excess.

5 Personal details Always enter client’s full details on the insurance certificate and not the details of the company. Full details will normally include: • • • • •

Name Age Address Email Home or mobile number.

Top Tip: Entering the clients email address will usually mean the client will receive confirmation of cover straight away, along with the policy document and validation certificate. This is a record that all documents went to the client and will be of benefit to your company.

6 Handling objections You may have clients advise you that they have their own travel insurance and it is important to confirm with them what cover they have. As their travel professional, you should be aware that the likes of EHIC (previously the E111) and Private Health Insurance plans are not sufficient Travel Insurance policies and will not be as comprehensive as a dedicated travel insurance policy. You want your client to be fully protected so be sure they are.

Top Tips Selling Car Hire

2019 should be the year for all Travel Centres members to exploit opportunities to sell and drive fresh revenues. When you learn how simple it is to sell car hire you will find it an easy money maker. All prepaid car hire bookings and extras are commissionable when booked through Affordable Car Hire so don’t miss out.

When your customer is immersed in the holiday purchase experience, let it become standard practice for you and your colleagues to offer car hire rental as part of the sale process. Ask questions — make sensible recommendations on the advantages of booking car hire before travel.

Q Have you thought about car hire instead of booking transfers?

Q How much driving will they be doing?

• At some locations car hire works out cheaper than transfers.

• You can go straight to your accommodation in your hired car, without having to hang around waiting for flights to arrive or coaches to drop off at several hotels.

• Have the freedom to explore the area in your own time and in the comfort of your own hire car.

• If your customer has not decided then give them a quote — it won’t hurt, and schedule a reminder to contact them again before they travel.

• Drivers must hold and produce an original, full, clean drivers licence when picking up the car.

• You must inform Affordable Car Hire of any endorsements when making the reservation.

Tip: Check the Supplier Fuel Policy.

• If they are just driving a short distance then find the supplier that offers Full-Full — they put deposit down for fuel on arrival and return full to get their deposit back. So the customer only pays for the fuel they use.

• Alternatively if they are planning on driving long distances, a good tip is for you to find the supplier that offers Full-Empty. This way they pay upfront for their fuel and will return as empty as possible, not having to worry about finding a petrol station on their journey back to the rental location.

Q How many people travelling and how much luggage is being taken?

This is a great way to instantly upsell bigger cars. Find out how they are travelling to the airport from their home. This is a good way you can get an idea of the car type/size they will require when they arrive.

Q Do they need any additional drivers?

• Search for the supplier on the ACH website that has additional drivers included in the price. Save your customer money on the local additional driver fee by upgrading or changing to a supplier that includes additional drivers.

• Valid Credit Card must be in Lead Driver’s name.

• Be aware that Debit Cards are not generally accepted by Car Rental Suppliers.

Q Do they require Sat Nav? Tip: Check suppliers charges for Sat Nav, payable locally.

Exception: USA suppliers offer prepaid Sat Nav which works out cheaper than renting locally at desk. **Pre paid items are commissionable*

Q Are children travelling?

Do they require child seat for ages between 4-11 years old?

Tip: Child seats are charged locally. Child seats work out very expensive when payable locally. For example, USA suppliers charge approx $12 per day per seat plus local charges. Instead, offer them our Affordable Car Hire Bubble Bum Booster seat — it’s a once-off price of £29.95 which includes P&P and ACH send it out before travel commences. It’s an inflatable booster seat which deflates when you need to pack it in your suit case or bag and inflate by mouth when needed for the rental. This product is a money saver for your customer and it’s theirs to keep. **Pre paid items are commissionable**

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Top Tips Selling Car Hire

Q Special occasion? customers having a Birthday/Anniversary/ Wedding or Honeymoon?

Why not upgrade your customer to a convertible or a luxury car type, this can be booked and confirmed with Affordable Car Hire before travel (depending on destination).

Travel Agents play a valuable role in selling car hire to travellers.

Encourage your customer to enjoy the freedom and independence of booking car hire as part of their holiday purchase. Take advantage of the strong sales proposition pre-paid car rental offers travel agents at a time when commission opportunities need to be maximised.”

Q Know your customer?

If you know you customer is on a business trip then quote corporate suppliers. Don’t book the cheapest no-frills company. Affordable Car Hire has more than 200 suppliers to choose from in more than 15,000 locations worldwide. All Drivers must have full clean drivers licence.

Q Driver’s between the ages of 21-24 years old for USA bookings?

Save your customer money and book Budget on the platinum package and pre book their Young Driver Package, which works out cheaper prepaid than locally and with any other supplier.

Don’t forget they must be the lead driver and must have a credit card in their name. This is commissionable to you.

Top tips suggested by Affordable Car Hire

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Q Want 100% cover and peace of mind with your insurance?

Pre book Supermax or Maxi Top Up Insurance for your customer, depending on supplier and the excess on the policy.

This insurance covers your customers on items on the car that the Supplier will not cover: Tyres, Wheels, Windows, Undercarriage and loss of keys. Not only do you earn commission from selling this insurance, but Affordable Car Hire offers additional monthly incentives if sold. If you would like more information on this product register for Affordable Car Hire’s A.R.T.S. Training Academy.

Be aware customers can be offered local additional insurance which will cover similar items such as Tyres, Wheels, Breakdowns etc.

This insurance can be quite expensive and is payable locally as an additional extra if your customer signs up for it when picking up the car.

Sensible reasons to PRE BOOK your car hire!

• Avoid the hassle of booking in-resort or at the airport • Receive competitive prices with none of those ‘hidden’ extras, that can occur when booking locally.

• Book early to avoid high season lack of availability which occurs in many locations.

• Know exactly what is included before travelling.

• Save money! For the price of a 1 day excursion you could rent for an entire week or if you tend to take taxi transfers you could save on that too.

• Be free to visit more places and explore more of them in the comfort of your own hire car.

• Affordable Car Hire Price Match Promise ensures you will get the best deal.

• We work with the most reputable car hire companies such as Hertz, Dollar, Avis, SIXT, Budget, Thrifty, Alamo, Europcar and many more.

• 24/ hour emergency phone helpline available 365 days a year.

Top Tips Selling

DEFINITION: Selling is the art of closing the deal where the ‘deal’ in question is the exchange of certain goods or services in return for money.

We are not in the travel business. We are in the selling business. It just happens that what we sell is travel — travel destinations, travel products, travel services and even travel concepts. Whilst some lucky individuals are born sellers, most must learn the skill set and it is a set of skills that can most definitely be learned once one understands the concepts behind it and the psychology of why people buy in the first place. Like all things, practice makes perfect. So, here are our top selling tips. They are not the only ones. They may even differ from what other individuals or companies claim are the best or most effective tips,but they represent a good starting point so you could do worse than incorporate them into your own deliberations.

1 Know your product/service

6 People love to buy

Know your product/service. You need to know your subject matter inside out and that means taking every opportunity to read up on your subject, whether that means brochures, books, magazines, travel articles, trade publications, tourist board marketing literature etc. The more you know, the more comprehensively you can address a client’s needs by answering all their questions and allaying any concerns that they might have. The ultimate product knowledge of course comes from visiting a destination or experiencing a product or service. There is never a substitute for the ‘real thing’ but comprehensive product knowledge comes a good second. Travel Centres recognises this fact by hosting weekly webinar sessions in conjunction with key preferred supplier partners.

People love to buy — but hate to be sold to! Sell what people want to buy and not what you want to sell!

2 Know your client People buy on emotion and later use logic to justify their purchase decision. Listen and learn. The single most important part of any potential transaction is the information gathering phase where you need to ask sufficient questions in order to build up a profile of who your client is and what they want.

3 never sell on price Never sell on price. ‘Real’ selling is all about ‘features’ and ‘benefits’. You need to paint a compelling picture for the client.

4 Be enthusiastic Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm and passion are infectious human emotions. The more genuinely enthusiastic and passionate you are about the product or service you’re selling, the greater the likelihood that the client will purchase.

5 Don’t guess If you don’t know the answer to some question, admit that you don’t. Clients respect honesty.

7 Pressure is an art Practice F.U.D. (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) when addressing a clients’ objections or when, for example, articulating the argument in favour of using an agent over that of booking directly on the Internet — e.g. Trip Advisor rankings have been shown to be manipulated. Search engines direct users to certain sites based on browsing habits etc.

8 Be truthful and never exaggerate Don’t overuse descriptive adjectives. Complaints often occur as a direct result of over-selling rather than any inherent shortcoming in the product or service purchased.

Under-promise but over deliver! Better to lose a sale if you’re not confident that the product/destination is suitable for your client, rather than rationalizing that a sale is better than no sale and risk compromising your reputation and integrity into the future.

9 Don’t give too much away Show a client enough to impress upon them that you know what you’re talking about and that you have the knowledge and expertise that they need and will benefit from but not so much that they will simply go off and book it themselves online. Don’t refer to specific companies or properties. Try to speak in generalities. Use FUD techniques to impress upon the client the pitfalls of doing it themselves.

10 Don’t be afraid to close Many people who are good ‘sellers’ are poor ‘closers’. If a client walks into your agency or calls you on the phone, you must work on the simple premise that they want to purchase something from you so don’t be afraid to capitalise on that assumption. Use strong closing statements like ‘How would you like to pay for that’ as opposed to weak ‘get off the hook’ ones like ‘Take these brochures and go off and have a think about it’! The ‘Pareto’ principle states that 80% of your sales come from 20% of your clients. Make sure that you know who those 20% are.

‘It is not your customer’s job to remember you.

It is your obligation and responsibility to make sure they don’t have the chance to forget you Patricia Fripp

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Top Tips Handling Objections

DEFINITION: When you demonstrate, explain a feature, talk about a benefits or uses a sales closing technique, your customer may well respond in the negative sense , giving excuses or otherwise heading away from the sale.

Main and minor objections

Common objections

Objections are either ‘main’ or ‘minor’ ones. Main objections are deal breakers that, if not overcome, will prevent you from closing the sale. Minor objections are usually beliefs that cause your customer to question something about you, your product, your service or your company. Distinguishing between main and minor objections takes a combination of experience and acuity.

• They say that they do not need your product or service for some reason or another, or perhaps have a need that you cannot satisfy.

• Objections about the price of the product.

• The customer objects to some element of what you are selling, whether it is aspects of a service or details of a product.

• An objection around time, such as the person not being ready to buy.

• The customer questions the source of the product or its credibility.

1 ask for a sale then shut up

6 Be an active listener

While it is important to draw out objections, it is even more important not to help your customer think up more objections. In other words, if the person you are talking with agrees with a statement you’ve made, move on and don’t bring up any additional details. The golden rule of selling applies not only during a close but during objection handling.

Give your prospect your full attention and avoid the temptation to think about your response while they are speaking. Learn to be an active listener. An active listener is not only listening to what their prospect is saying, but is also trying to discover the meaning behind their words. Research indicates that 65% of our communication is nonverbal. Therefore, it is vitally important to pay attention to body language and listen for voice inflections.

In addition to observing your prospect’s gestures, you must also learn to be mindful of your nonverbal signals.

2 Ask questions For ‘customer-owned’ objections, your main focus should be to get as much detail about the objection as possible.

Again, asking questions is more important than talking more about your product, service or self. If you ask enough questions about why your customer objects to something, they will reveal their reasons. If you don’t ask questions, you may very well be fighting a lost battle.

3 Stop and reflect Never rush your response to an objection. Show the customer you are listening! Sales people often respond too quickly in these situations.

4 Recognise the signal Remember that objections are often a “BUYING SIGNAL” because the customer is questioning your offer. If they had no interest, why would they still be talking to you?

5 The 3-5 rule Remember that statistically speaking 3-5 OBJECTIONS are needed before a person will buy. Simply put, an objection is nothing more than a request for additional information.

As a general rule, prospects are hesitant to commit to purchasing a product or service until they have convinced themselves they need it and that they are getting it at a fair price.

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7 Clarify the objection By feeding the objection back in the form of a question it gives your prospect an opportunity to expand upon their concern. This technique reduces the perception of pressure.

By having the opportunity to explain their position, your prospect will frequently answer their own objection.

Another reason it is important to clarify the objection is to make sure you are addressing their exact concern and not creating a new one. Some objections are of greater importance to your prospect than others. After you clarify the objection, you need to ask your prospect how important that concern is to them.

8 Resolving the objection Take the following into consideration: Stay big picture, but be prepared to provide details as necessary. Verify the objection has been resolved.

9 Closing questions You may have to ask for the order several times before you get the sale, so make sure you vary your closing questions.

Remain patient and be persistent without becoming argumentative.

Top Tips Marketing

DEFINITION: Marketing is the process of communicate the value of a product or service to customers.

Where selling is all about one-to-one transactions, marketing is essentially about one-to-many transactions. Many text books suggest that marketing can be distilled down to just five ‘P’s — Product, Place, Price, Promotion, People. The term ‘marketing’ intimidates many people but as long as you can remind yourself that it is simply an extension of the selling process whereby instead of trying to persuade just one customer to part with their hard-earned money, you’re trying to persuade many — and not necessarily all at the same time. Like selling, marketing is as much an art as a science and whilst some people take to it like a duck to water, it is possible to build up your expertise and effectiveness in this discipline through a combination of hard work, repetition, observation, learning from your mistakes and being mindful of some of the following ‘principals’.

1 Know your audience

7 The power of bartering

Successful campaigns get that way because marketers know their audience. They fully understand their needs, how to help meet those needs and how to create demand.

Knowing and understanding your audience through proper market segmentation means a well targeted campaign that generates a profitable return.

This is an excellent tool to promote your business and get others to use services. You can trade your product for advertising space or for another company’s product or service. This is especially helpful when two companies on limited budgets can exchange their services.

2 focus on the offer

No single marketing effort works all the time for every business, so rotate several marketing tactics and vary your approach. Your customers tune out after a while if you always sing from the same hymn sheet. Not only that but you will get bored. Marketing can be fun, so take advantage of the thousands of opportunities available for communicating your value to customers. But don’t be arbitrary about your selection of a variety of marketing ploys. Plan carefully. Get feedback from customers and adapt your efforts accordingly.

A marketing offer is the driving force of marketing promotions that drive results. In fact, market testing has proven that the offer is the most significant criterion for conversion. Focus on your offer if you want to be successful.

3 Split test Never ever run a campaign without testing something.

One of the most common is a split test which allows you to simultaneously test two versions of something. It can be a web page, post card, or email. Split testing is essential for improving performance.

4 High production values Did you know it costs six times more to make a sale to a new customer than to an existing one? You can use newsletters to focus your marketing on past customers. Keep costs down by sacrificing frequency and high production values.

If printed newsletters are too expensive, consider an e-mail newsletter sent to people who subscribe on your web site.

5 Don’t sell on price This can often lead to discounting and lower profitability.

Focus on creating so much value that the perception of price becomes less relevant

6 Create value after sale As a marketer, it’s your job to understand your market segment(s) and build relationships and not simply dump people off at the front door of your agency and walk away.

Focus as much of your energy on building relationships with customers as you do prospects.

8 Rotate marketing tactics

9 Promotional activities Use cross-promotional activities to market your business — e.g. you print some DL or A5 flyers that promote another local business that is complementary to yours and they do likewise. Some examples would be a local camera shop or chemists that you recommend your clients to get their holiday snaps printed at or a local shop or boutique where they can purchase their new bikini-wear or suitcases etc.

The idea is that you get to target a whole new audience that might not otherwise be using your services but who are in that frame of mind. The other partner retailer does likewise in promoting your agency as the preferred choice for people making their travel arrangements.

10 Costless marketing activities Not all marketing initiatives or activities need to cost you money. So why not make reference to some special offer when your staff answers the phone — e.g. ‘Good afternoon.

Thanks for calling ABC Travel. My name is Mary. Would you like me to email our latest offers to you?’ (or words to that effect! This way you can easily build up an email database for use with your CRM policy.

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Top Tips Public Relations

DEFINITION: Public Relations (PR) is the practice of managing the flow of information between an individual or a company and the public.

Put simply, PR is about the ongoing process of always trying to present your company in the best possible light, as far as the general public is concerned. It is also about the practice of protecting as well as enhancing the reputation of any particular organization/firm or for that matter any individual. In today’s world of fierce competition and social media, where every travel agent strives hard to work on its brand image, public relations is more relevant than ever before. It is essential for every organization to communicate well with its public/target audience. Public relations may include a company or individual gaining exposure to their audiences using topics of public interest and news items that do not require direct payment. Common activities include speaking at conferences, winning industry awards, working with the press, and employee communication.

1 Start a blog

5 Include your website address

Establish your authority or expertise by dispensing little nuggets of advice to intending travellers without actually trying to sell them anything. Don’t go into too much detail — just enough to establish that you know what you’re talking about with the inference being that one would do well to have your company looking after their travel arrangements or advocating on their behalf.

Always include your website address on all your press releases and promotional materials. By having your website address on your promotional materials, especially when it can be viewed online, you are driving traffic to your business and making it easy for readers to click.

2 Approach a radio station Offer to do a weekly/monthly ‘spot’ for thirty minutes where you discuss various aspects of international travel, be it up and coming resorts or destinations, common mistakes that travellers often make when planning their trip or indeed anything that you feel might be relevant to a travel-hungry audience. Radio station programmers have a lot of ‘air-time’ to fill each week and you’d be surprised at how easy it often is to get approval for such a suggestion. The same principle applies with regard to local or regional newspaper titles or free sheets. Publishers always welcome the opportunity to fill those column inches with relevant or interesting content. Be prepared to sell yourself by writing your own articles. Local media are more than happy to print because they don’t have to write it themselves! An interesting article is great free publicity.

3 Think of your plan of attack Figure out who you want to reach, and why; when you want to reach them; and how to measure success, or how you will know if your plan is successful. Successful PR is all about targeting the right sources. The more targeted you are, the more successful your chances are of getting a journalist to respond to your pitch.

4 Do a press release Get into the habit of generating regular press releases and submitting them to your local newspaper. It might be about a new member of staff who has just joined the company or a fam trip that one of your staff has just returned from.

Deliver your message in a short media-friendly way. Be brave and whenever you see something to comment on, just send an email.

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6 Generate articles Generate articles that people care about. There has to be more to your message than: I’m here; come buy my product.

Your PR efforts should be engaging and interesting to audiences, because an engaged audience member is more likely to pay close attention to your communication efforts.

7 Word of mouth Provide an exceptionally good service and your customers will love it and talk about it. Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful PR tools, and with the significant advances in communication technologies, no business can afford to have a bad reputation. If you offer a professional and efficient service, clients will recommend you to others, and there is no PR tactic that’s more effective.

8 Join the chamber of commerce Join your local chamber of commerce, if there is one in your town/locality. A chamber of commerce is a means for businesses to work together to look out for their common interests. These societies advocate on behalf of the local business community. Apart from promoting your own business interests by getting involved, this is an excellent way to network.

9 Sponsor and get exposure Sponsor an event, local team or deserving charity. It might even be possible to do it in conjunction with one of your suppliers who will also be glad of the additional exposure and public goodwill. Your sponsorship (or cosponsorship) might take the form of a free draw for a holiday. Alternatively and budget permitting, you might consider sponsoring jerseys for a local boys or girls’ GAA, soccer, hurling ore basketball team. The only limitation on the possibilities here is your own imagination. Sometimes you have to spend a little money to make money, and sponsoring an event or supporting a charity through your business is a great way to get your name out there.

Top Tips Customer Retention

DEFINITION: Customer retention is defined as the activity that a company undertakes in order to reduce customer defections. Successful customer retention starts with the first contact a company has with a customer and continues throughout the entire lifetime of a relationship.

Capturing the client is sometimes the easy part. Keeping them can often be where the hard work begins. Some travel agents become so focused on recruiting new customers that they fail to effectively address the need to retain those that they already have. This is counterproductive considering that it’s far easier (about 50% easier according to Marketing Metrics) to sell to existing customers than to capture new prospects. Agents often tend to focus more on customer addition, whereas customer attrition can have a much more negative impact on their business. For those who feel that customer retention plays a relatively minor role in helping their agency grow a healthy bottom line, here’s something that should give you plenty to think about: Attracting new customers will cost your company 5 times more than keeping an existing customer.

1 Earn customer loyalty

6 Get the right on-hold audio

Customers don’t owe you their loyalty. You have to earn it — continually. Having an effective customer retention program in place gives you the ability to identify, track, and custom promote to those customers who are most likely to become loyal, long-term sources of revenue.

CRM can help you to keep constantly focused and on message with each of your customers. Loyal customers don’t just come back; they don’t simply recommend you, they insist that their friends do business with you.

More than two-thirds of consumers admit to putting the phone down if they’re placed on hold to silence for more than 30 seconds. Playing music or promotional marketing messages can keep them with you longer. However, on-hold audio can have the opposite effect if it is treated as an afterthought. Repetitive jingles or disingenuous apologies for keeping them waiting don’t always go down well. Think about your customer demographic: who they are, and why they’re calling you. The right onhold audio can keep a customer holding for longer.

2 Fix it!

7 Take care of online customers

Customers don’t necessarily expect you to get it right all the time but they do expect you to fix things (and quickly) when things go wrong. Indeed, the real measure of the quality of a company and its commitment to proper customer retention is how they react when things go wrong.

Socialising with your customers online can build retention if you do it correctly. The key is to tone down the corporate presence and give your customers a voice and a forum to connect with other customers, and then let them build the traffic. As you build your Facebook fans and twitter followers, stay engaged with them and establish ‘alerts’ so that you can react to whatever is being said (both good and bad) about your agency. Always take care of your social media savvy customers, as they can either be your most powerful advocates or your biggest PR nightmares.

3 Identify your profitable clients Hard to believe sometimes but probably 80% of your profits are generated from just 20% of your clients so try to identify them and fulfill their needs by selling them what they want.

Promotions can be a very effective way of retaining customers by keeping them actively engaged with your agency/brand.

The key is to run relevant promotions that reward customers, make them feel good about doing business with your agency, and encourage them to do more of the same.

4 Recognise and appreciate Train and coach your staff to accept the idea that they own a part of the business as if it were their own. Take that attitude to sales and customer service and you will have a person who will embrace the customer as if it were a one-on-one relationship between a proprietor and a customer. This is the old-fashioned grass-roots approach – treat the customer with total respect.

5 Give a differentiated experience Offering something the competition doesn’t (or can’t) is a wonderful way to retain customers. In fact, according to a recent study, the ability to deliver a differentiated experience was the leading factor in maintaining customer loyalty.

8 Contact the client Many agents tend to be paranoid about contacting clients after they return from holiday for fear that they will open a can of worms. Better to take that (minimal) risk and deal with whatever you find than to ignore it and have clients bad mouthing you to their friends and colleagues behind your back.

9 Keep contact with all customers You should also take the opportunity every year to trawl through your customer records in order to see if there is anyone who hasn’t travelled with you in recent times. This serves two purposes: to ascertain as to whether they booked elsewhere or online or to take the opportunity to update them on new/relevant offers that are available. Either way, you’ll invariably find the exercise worth the effort.

10 Under promise and over-deliver Under promise and over-deliver. Don’t make exaggerated claims in order to close a sale. If you’re presented with a complicated quote that you know will probably take two days to put together, tell the client that you’ll be back to them in three and then surprise them when you revert a day earlier than expected. Always try to exceed their expectations.

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Top Tips Handling Complaints

DEFINITION: A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction whether justified or not.

Nobody likes dealing with complaints but when you come to think of it, they are an excellent way of potentially turning defeat into victory! Isn’t it much better for a customer to tell you what they felt was wrong with their holiday of the service you provided and at least afford you the opportunity to redeem yourself and your company in their eyes, rather than have them never come back to you again and bitch about you behind your back.

1 Have an open policy

6 Learn from every complaint

Have a clear, flexible welcoming and open policy on complaints. A complaint is an opportunity for you to redress a perceived failing in the eyes of the customer who brings the matter to your attention and thus should be capitalised on whenever possible.

Do something! Fix the procedure/protocol; train staff in the issue; eliminate the fault. Wherever possible, let the complaining customer know that they have helped you resolve a problem – they’ll feel great and come back again and again (and will probably tell their friends!)

2Show courtesy

7 Minimise the reasons

Thank the customer for complaining. Say that you are sorry that the problem has happened. This is NOT an admission of guilt on your part, it’s just good manners.

Prevention is always preferable to cure. Do you have a continuous improvement culture? Do you check customer satisfaction regularly? Do you check the quality of the goods/services sold in your agency? Remember it costs at least 5 times as much to gain a new customer than to keep an existing one.

3 Recognise the complaint Start with the view that the customer has a valid point, not that he/she is trying to rip you off. Accepting that the customer may well have a point, (even internally), may well trigger ideas for an acceptable resolution. This will instantly give you an advantage, as you not only will have more empathy with the customer, but also you know your business better than them and so can hopefully see the solution quicker.

4 Get all of the facts first Letting the customer give you all of the information helps you fully understand the situation and, if they are emotional, will give them time to calm down.

5 Don’t opt for easy solution Don’t automatically opt for the ‘credit note/ex gratia gesture solution’. It’s very tempting to give the customer a partial refund, credit note or vouchers, and in many cases, done properly, it makes good PR sense. However, too often it is done INSTEAD of solving the problem, which can lead to more complaints about the same thing because it hasn’t been fixed, and also has a tendency to send out the wrong signals to serial complainers and only encourages and reinforces such behaviour.

8 Maintain regular contact Maintain regular contact with the complainant. For example, if you have to wait a week or more whilst a supplier such as a tour operator waits for a report back from the resort, ensure that you communicate that fact to the customer and even call or email them periodically lest they think that you have forgotten about them. Remember, perception is everything.

9 Avoid further complaints Most complaints tend to occur due to overzealous selling in the first place which results in unrealistic expectations on the part of the customer. Always be careful to remind clients of the old adage that ‘you get what you pay for’.

Most complaints tend to occur not because of some inherent shortcoming in the actual product, destination or service provided but rather the manner in which it was ‘pitched’ to them in the first place. Avoid hyperbole and overuse of adjectives and absolutes such as ‘amazing’, ‘exclusive’, ‘top-notch’, ‘world-class’ and so on and just reserve them for those rare instances when it really does do what it says on the tin!

When complaints are freely heard, deeply considered and speedily reformed, then is the utmost bound of civil liberty attained that wise men look for.”

John Milton

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Top Tips Maximising Profit

Definition: Profit is a financial gain, the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something.

There is an old saying that ‘turnover is vanity but profit is sanity’ and it is very true. Too often, people focus on closing a sale at any cost and either spend to much time and effort in chasing an enquiry that delivers very little margin at the end of the day or end up discounting out of that margin in order to capture an elusive booking — rationalizing that any sale is better than no sale at all. All travel agencies represent a team effort where every single member of staff needs to be mindful at all times how their actions (or inactions) impact on overall profitability as they are all stakeholders in the business. Here are some reminders of things that agents can do to help maximise their profitability.

1 Increase your use of/ dependence on preferred suppliers Earn more commission by supporting those suppliers who value your business and have agreed to pay you more for the bookings that you put their way. Typically, you can expect to earn anywhere from 10% to 50% more commission by simply moving such discretionary sales to preferred suppliers without even having to grow your own turnover. The added benefit that you get when you support preferred suppliers is that they’re much more likely to ‘bend the rules’ if mistakes or errors occur as you are seen as a commercially important customer to them.

This ‘VIP’ treatment presumes of course that your figures are both healthy and regular and that you don’t have a record of regularly causing errors/mistakes.

2 Focus on margin Focus more on margin and less on turnover. Margin is the key in our industry and with so many overheads having increased in recent years; the standard 10% commission is no longer sufficient in order to generate profit for a travel agency and so must be increased at every available opportunity.

3 Incentivise staff The one common denominator that seems to single out more successful businesses is that there is a clear focus on growing sales through the use of both regular (i.e. weekly or monthly) sales targets and staff incentives. Incentives work.

4 Reduce costly errors Prevention is always better than cure and nowhere is this more relevant than where mistakes are concerned. Given the nature of the business that we are in, mistakes invariably cost money and in some instances — lots of money — whether that be by way of ADM’s on incorrectly issued tickets; compensation paid to clients because of mis-advice or nuisance money paid to complaining clients in order to diffuse certain situations before they escalate into litigation. Mistakes cannot, of course, ever be eliminated 100% as that is an impossibility given the fallibility of human nature but they can be greatly minimised through a combination of proper training and instruction; well documented internal procedures; adequately qualified people undertaking the right tasks and an overarching philosophy of checking and double-checking everything before ending the transaction.

Ninety to ninety-five percent of all mistakes are avoidable.

5 Cut costs As is explored in more considerable detail in the companion article entitled ’Top cost-cutting tips’, the single most effective

way of maximising your agency’s profitability is by cutting your costs as every €1 saved is roughly equivalent to you generating €100 in gross sales value. Costs can be cut by changing your energy and telecom providers; your credit card acquirer and numerous other initiatives.

6 Use email rather than phone Although the cost of phone calls and telecommunications in general have plummeted in recent years the volume of calls made by travel agents is still significant enough that the annual cost of same is still likely to be a considerable four-figure sum, particularly with the percentage of calls that now have to be made to mobile phones, rather than land lines. Try acquiring clients email details whenever possible and communicate with them via that medium whenever possible as the cost of email is effectively zero. The other major benefit of communicating via email is that you will always have a written record of who said what to whom and when — extremely valuable if/when anything gets disputed down the line.

7 Improve productivity The single biggest overhead of any travel agency is the staff cost, so this is an area that agency owners, managers and supervisors need to look at critically. The more productive all members of staff are, the lower the staff ratio to income level is and thus, the greater the likelihood of operational profitably.

Productivity can always be enhanced through a combination of internal operational procedure, office layout, proper investment in and use of technology; relevant and regular training and staff motivation.

8 Training Good effective selling is all about product/destination knowledge and that can only come about in one of two ways — actual experience and training. One of the most time and cost effective forms of training nowadays are the weekly webinars that Travel Centres conducts every Tuesday morning at 09.30. Each session takes just 45 minutes and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your desk. In the event that you cannot personally attend a given webinar due to being on a day off or away on holidays, each session is recorded and can be shared with upon request.

9 Sell ancillary products/services Focus on margin Overall sales margins can be enhanced by two or three percent by also selling ancillary products/services such as transfers, car hire, attractions, excursions etc.

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Top Tips Cutting Costs

DEFINITION: Thrift is the quality of using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully.

As we know all too well, the retail travel industry works off wafer-thin margins. That 10% gross commission that you earn on the sale of a package holiday usually translates into a net profit of just 1%, after your costs have been factored in. That’s just another way of saying that for every €1 you spend on something, you need to generate €100 worth of sales just to cover that cost and break even! Therefore, cutting your costs (as opposed to growing your sales) can have a disproportionately positive impact on your bottom line. Here are some of the more obvious suggestions for cutting those costs!

1 MAXIMISE ON DEALS

7 Renegotiate your rent

Check out our affinity deal with Barclaycard on credit card processing. Documentary evidence to date suggests that the average agent can make savings upwards of €2,500 per annum on credit card processing costs.

Reduce the cost of your marketing/advertising bill by utilising social media more. The likes of Facebook and Twitter cost nothing, other than your time and effort.

If you do not own the building that you occupy and are not tied in to upward-only rent reviews, consider trying to renegotiate that rent with your landlord in order to reflect the more challenging economic circumstances under which you now have to trade. You won’t get unless you ask! It is not an unreasonable request to make and your landlord might be more accommodating than you think as a paying tenant represents a much better option than a vacant premises. If you are a smaller agency and most of your clients are regular and conduct most of their business over the phone or via email then you might even consider becoming your own home worker and stripping one major cost out of your overheads.

Many before you have managed the switch successfully so you can seek advice from them before you make such a move in order to make yourself aware of the downsides as well.

4 Tighten credit control

8 Purchase rather than lease

Exercise tighter credit control with your customers/corporate accounts. Money costs money and you should not be acting as someone’s banker.

Purchase rather than lease office equipment. Technology has moved on so much in recent years that it sometimes doesn’t make sense. Consolidate by investing in a multifunction device that combines the functions of printer, photocopier, fax machine and scanner. It takes up less space in your office and makes three other pieces of office equipment redundant almost immediately. Opt for a laser version rather than an inkjet one as inkjets tend to be more expensive in the long run because of the cost of consumables. Most of the major manufacturers market models in the multifunction range such as HP, Canon, Dell, Xerox, Samsung, Brother, Lexmark etc.

2 Switch now Switch over to Imagine as part of our deal with this Tier 1 telecom provider where you should expect to realise annual savings of approximately 15% or more, depending on who your current provider is and what tariff you’re on.

3 Use social media

5 Buy used equipment If you need to replace computer equipment, office hardware or add more desks, filing cabinets etc. then why not consider buying second hand. With all the companies that have sadly gone into liquidation or ceased trading over the course of the past few years, there is an abundance of good quality, keenly priced second-hand office equipment for sale so there’s no need to have to pay over the odds for something that’s brand new.

6 Cut energy consumption Aside from checking if you’re currently enjoying the cheapest electricity rates (see our new affinity deal with Electric Ireland), you should also be taking every opportunity to reduce your energy consumption costs by getting into the habit of turning off the lights in rooms that are not in use; turning off monitors or closing down computers overnight, or even reducing the temperature of your office heating by just a degree or two. Also check out the feasibility of replacing all the bulbs in your office with energy efficient ones which will realise savings over the long run. Don’t pay to have your excess brochure stocks disposed of. Contact Neville Monahan of Carmon Waste (www.carmonwaste. ie) who will gladly take them off your hands for free. Contact Neville on 086 3229542.

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9 Improve productivity Purchase an office mobile(s) and choose the most competitive call tariff and get staff into the habit of using that mobile to call/notify clients whose only point of contact is a mobile phone. This should help to reduce your overall call costs. Use a web-based service to communicate regularly with such clients by bulk-purchasing text bundles. Do an audit of the number of lines you currently have active. If you have reduced your staff numbers in recent years you may now have an excess of telephone lines that you are still paying annual rental charges on.

10 Maximise free webinars Maximise the use of Travel Centres weekly webinar series in order to keep staff up-to-date and current on supplier news on new products, services and destinations. This will help to eliminate all such travel and subsistence costs that would be otherwise absorbed in sending staff to out-of–office workshops and training days.

Top Tips Productivity

DEFINITION: Productivity is usually defined as the measure of efficiency of a person, machine, factory or system in converting inputs into useful outputs. Productivity is a critical determinant of cost efficiency.

Productivity is not rocket science. It is simply about doing more with less and doing it efficiently — cost-wise, time-wise and resource-wise. It is often the one thing that differentiates the companies that succeed from those that do not. Here are some suggestions that can help you and your colleagues improve both your individual and collective productivity.

1 Make lists and finish them

6 Delegate

Make lists! Apart from ensuring that you don’t leave anything to the mercy of your fallible memory, it acts as a visual prompt and reminder of what has yet to be done and forces you to be productive when you otherwise might not!

Delegation is another useful tool if you are to improve your productivity and effectiveness. You do not need to do everything yourself; if you find a task that someone would be able to do as well as you or even better, then delegate that task to that person.

2 Black out communications Black out your communications. Close down Microsoft Outlook. Turn off your mobile phone. Retreat to a back office (if you have one). Do it for just an hour a day or adopt a policy that you don’t open your email before 10.00 a.m. each morning or turn on your mobile phone before lunch time. What these actions achieve is that they insulate you from distractions that can otherwise negatively impact on both your productivity and thought processes. The fewer the distractions; the greater the productivity.

3 Prioritise your work Differentiate between those tasks that are important and urgent; those that are important and not urgent and those that are neither important nor urgent. Get into the habit of prioritizing tasks on the basis of the profit that can be earned on them and react accordingly. Recognise the difference between tasks that make you more effective from those that simply make you more efficient.

4 Complete the big jobs first Start your day with one of the big, important tasks and then go onto smaller and less important tasks. By first focusing on the large tasks you will get them complete in a shorter space of time and then will be able to deal with smaller tasks, whereas if you start with the smaller tasks you will soon find them filling up your day and not having time left to do the larger tasks.

5 Keep your space organised Keep your desk and office organised. A major cause of ineffective time management is disorganization. Keep your desk and office organized, keep everything on hand and keep things in the place you have assigned them and you will never waste time searching for the things you need or have important items go missing.

7 Recognise ‘Tyre-Kickers’ Learn to recognise ‘tyre-kickers’ early on so that you or your colleagues do not inadvertently waste unnecessary amounts of time giving away valuable product information to someone who will ultimately go off and utilise that information to book on the Internet. Guard your knowledge/ expertise zealously.

8 Set S.M.A.R.T. goals SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rewarding and Timely. By setting SMART goals you know what you are working towards, have a way of measuring when it has been successfully completed and know when you want to complete it by. SMART goals are useful in showing you what steps you need to take in order to fulfill your dreams.

9 Exploit technology Technology, if used effectively can offer a great boost to productivity. A perfect example of this is the automation of customer communications. Your customers need to stay notified of itinerary changes, but do you personally need to send these messages? Programs are available to take these tasks off your hands. Amadeus checkmytrip.com is a free Web portal (available to all Amadeus agencies) where travelers can gain 24/7, real-time trip details and updates.

Both agent and traveler can rely on Amadeus Flight Alerts to send (based on your preference) trip reminders, gate assignments, flight status updates and more. Similar functionality is available with other GDS’s.

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Top Tips Using Google

The indexed web currently contains in excess of 14.93 thousand million pages! The internet is not just a great research source for customers but also for travel agents too. The search engine of choice for most people nowadays is Google but how much do we really exploit all its sophisticated features? Here are just some suggestions and productivity tips that you may not already be aware of.

1 Get local time anywhere

7 Use Google as a calculator

The simplest way to do it is just ask the question on Google.

Simply type in the question ‘What time is it in Bangkok? The first search result will appear in a box showing the local time in the location specified.

Just type in your calculation to Google using the right operands and the talented search engine will do the rest. If you would like to learn more about Google Calculate, check out http://www. googleguide.com/calculator.html

2 Track flight status

8 Use Google as a phonebook

Enter the airline and flight number into the Google search box and get back the arrival and departure times, right inside Google’s search results. The results will appear in a rectangular box at the top of the listing of returned results.

Try it yourself.

Google has a gigantic phonebook directory, their index is one of the largest, if not THE largest, on the Web. Just type in a telephone number and its area code and you should be able to track down the identity of the company that it belongs to.

3 Convert currency

(http://translate.google.com/).

It’s generally reckoned to be the most accurate of all the translation software out there. You can either use it to translate content on foreign websites that don’t have an English language version or you can use it to convert English to any one of the other major languages if you need to send say, an email, to a hotel or company where there’s a chance that English may not be spoken. Very handy. Very accurate!

Refine your Search Results. Most search engines do not consider extremely common words in order to speed up search results or to save disk space. These filtered words are known as ‘Stop Words’. The plus operator (+) tells the search engine to include those words in the result set. Example: tall +and short will return results that include the word and. The tilde operator (~): Include a tilde in front of a word to return results that include synonyms. The wildcard operator (*): Google calls it the fill in the blank operator. For example, amusement * will return pages with amusement and any other term(s) the Google search engine deems relevant.

You can’t use wildcards for parts of words. So for example, amusement p* is invalid. The OR operator (OR) or (|): Use this operator to return results with either of two terms. For example happy joy will return pages with both happy and joy, while happy | joy will return pages with either happy or joy.

5 Check out Google Trends

10 Use shortcuts

(http://www.google.com/trends/ ) Google Trends is a public web facility of Google based on Google Search that shows how often a particular searchterm is entered relative to the total search-volume across various regions of the world, and in various languages. This is separate from the kind of analysis that you would normally go to Google Analytics for if you wanted to find what search terms consumers were using so you could incorporate those phrases into your own website as part of an SEO strategy in order to increase your natural page ranking with the search engine.

There are dozens of different shortcut keys that can be used with Internet browsers. Below are a few of the top suggested Internet browser shortcuts.

• Pressing Alt + D in any major Internet browser will move the cursor into the address bar. This is a great way to quickly enter an Internet address without having to click the mouse cursor in the address bar.

• Hold down the Ctrl key and press the + or - to increase and decrease the size of text.

• Press the backspace key or hold down the Alt key + left arrow to go back a page.

• Press F5 to refresh or reload a web page.

• Press F11 to make the Internet browser screen full screen.

• Press F11 again to return back to the normal view.

• Press Ctrl + B to open your Internet bookmarks.

• Press Ctrl + F to open the find box in the browser to search for text within the web page you’re looking at.

Convert currency. OK, you can always use a dedicated website like www.xe.com but if you’re already in Google, just type in something like ‘How many polish zlotys are in 50 euros’. The result again appears in a rectangular frame at the top of the list of search results. Simples!

4 Use Google Translate

6 Use Google as a dictionary Simply prefix the word that you want explained by the word ‘define’ as in ‘define’ loquacious and voila!

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9 Refine your results

Top Tips Using Facebook for Business

As social media continues to mature, Facebook remains the firm favourite with travel brands for marketing their business. Facebook is the perfect platform for travel agents to build brand awareness, drive website traffic, engage with customers and promote word of mouth referrals and sales.

However, while it has huge potential for business growth, many travel agents are not using Facebook as effectively as they could. With that in mind, listed below are tips to help you become more strategic in how you use Facebook and in turn effective.

1 Determine your facebook strategy You need to know why your using Facebook, what your goals are, what you hope to achieve and within what timeframe.

No goals, no strategy, you’re going to fail.

2 Create a content calendar This can be as simple as putting an excel spreadsheet together and mapping out what content you’re going to post each day e.g. Monday: Travel Tip of the Week, Tuesday: Featured Destination, Wednesday: Our Weekly Deals and so on. You can also have theme weeks e.g. Honeymoons which would be perfect for around Valentine’s Day. With a content calendar in place, you know in advance the content you’re posting which make the process easier and more time efficient.

3 Use promotions to engage fans Create regular promotions on your page to keep fans engaged. You don’t always need large prizes to do this, something small and on a regular basis can work just as well. Prizes such as branded mugs, travel books, luggage tags, and beach towels will get people talking and sharing your page which helps to organically boost your brand awareness with a wider audience.

4 Respond to user queries No one likes to be ignored and yet the average response time on Facebook to a user query is 19 hours. By then, the user has disappeared and checked out your competitor. At a minimum, you should incorporate an end of day practice to check for outstanding Facebook queries and respond to them. You have the option to download the Facebook Page Manager App to your Android phone or IPhone which means you get alerts when users post queries.

5 Schedule out of hours content Not all your Facebook fans are online during the day, in fact many will check-into their Facebook accounts after dinner or when the kids are in bed. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to get in front of these users. Use the scheduling option which is free to use on your Facebook page or from any other social site management tool you may be using e.g.

HootSuite.

6 Get everyone involved Whether you have 2 or 22 staff active on social sites, encourage them to become involved in promoting your brand with their networks.

Ask for suggestions for content and for feedback reports with photos from FAM trips that you can share on your site. Bring the human side of your business to your fans by introducing the team and sharing photos from events you attend, charities you support, awards you’ve won.

7 Use Facebook advertising Facebook is now a pay to play site. Since their IPO, Facebook is a public company with shareholders and the way they make their revenue is through advertising. What that means is brands who want to reach more fans need to buy Facebook ads. There are multiple advertising options on Facebook from the very easy to use ‘Boost’ post to the more complex Power Editor. If not already familiar with the various ad options available, now is the time to check them out.

8 Best practices for Facebook advertising When you create an ad, remember most users are on Facebook to catch up with friends so they don’t want to see hard sell ads appearing in their newsfeed. Instead of directly promoting your business or special offers, promote the benefit or value instead. Using questions in your ad is good as the ad will feel more like a conversation than a sales pitch e.g. ‘Need some sunshine on your bones?’ Keep ads short, snappy, and visually engaging.

9 Re-evaluate your Facebook marketing strategy On a quarterly basis at minimum, re-evaluate progress with your Facebook marketing to see if you’re achieving the goals you set in place for using the site. Accessing the free analytics tools on Facebook called ‘Insights’ will help as you have access to lots of stats about what’s working and what’s not on your page. If what you’re doing isn’t working, it’s time to change it. This gives you the chance to brainstorm new ideas, to get creative about content which will prevent your page becoming stagnant and boring for the user.

10 Don’t put all your eggs in one basket Facebook is a great fit for travel agents, and a really good way of engaging with customers both new and existing.

However, Facebook should never be your only resource for marketing your company. It is not a replacement for email marketing, your website or print ads. Facebook is a complementary tool that allows you to reach out to a growing online community and when integrated with other marketing initiatives brings the best results.

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Top Tips Handling Vat

All VAT returns must be made online to ROS and must be submitted every two months starting in January. When you make this return you must pay the amount owed for January and February, together with the estimated amount you will owe for March and April. From this amount you can reclaim VAT paid on imputs (see below). If you already do this, then don’t forget to deduct advance payments for Jan/Feb made in December.

1 Package holiday If an agent buys a package holiday from an Irish based tour operator originating in Ireland — regardless of the destination — there is a VAT liability. The tour operator will show commission and VAT on the confirmation invoice.

The agent remits this VAT to Revenue. The tour operator will reclaim this VAT from Revenue, so it is very important to get the figures right. Flight-onlies on charter flights are the same as above.

5 Bonus commission

There is no VAT on travel insurance. There is no VAT on service charges except for business house clients (see below).

If you receive bonus commission or overrides these will have a VAT element and they must be remitted to revenue, remembering that the tour operator can reclaim this VAT. This sounds complicated but in reality is it not really. It is always the exceptions that can be difficult. For example: a booking to Palma; one client for 7 nights booked with Falcon VAT on seat only. Client being joined by friend booked with Ryanair — NO VAT. One single room booked with Bookabed —VAT payable. Another booked with Travel Cube — NO VAT( but VIES). So for different components there are different rules.

4 Accommodation

6 Business house

This is a more complicated area. It all depends on who you buy it from and where they travel to. Irish based suppliers who pay commission, and clients travelling to EU destinations: VAT is payable.

If you have business house clients, who are registered for VAT, and you charge a service charge you must charge 23 % VAT on the service charge and remit this to Revenue but your client can reclaim this VAT.

• Irish based suppliers, who pay commission, and client travelling to NON EU destination: — no VAT is payable.

• NON-Irish registered suppliers but who are based in the EU, e.g. — RCCL, MSC, Travel Cube and Holiday Autos etc., to list but a few: — NO VAT payable regardless of destination. You must do a VIES report on these. VIES is VAT Information Exchange System. You must issue a self billing invoice to these suppliers, listing booking reference

7 Vat on imputs

2 Schedule flights There is no VAT on schedule flights regardless of origin or destination, whether they are booked by Internet and paid by credit card; booked on GDS and issued on BSP or purchased from a consolidator.

3 Service charges

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numbers, client names and commission amounts.

These suppliers must account to their own revenue authorities for VAT. This return is every three months so it coinsides with VAT in June and December.

• NON Irish registered suppliers, but based outside the EU: — no VAT payable and there is no requirement to file VIES.

There is VAT payable on audit fees, telephone bills, light and heating bills, stationery, printing, subscriptions and licences and numerous other imputs. You can claim this VAT back in the two month period in which they are incurred when you make your return.

Top Tips as recommended by Peter Dolan, Creation Travel

Top Tips New Year’s Resolutions For 2019

Running a business is never easy and travel agencies are no different — indeed they may be even more difficult to successfully manage — given the wafer-thin margins that necessitate high turnovers in order to make any money and of course the threats and challenges that face owners on a day to day basis. All the more reason to take time out and evaluate how you can start working smarter rather than harder. Clearly, not everything that we do is effective so we need to identify those activities that are and stop wasting time on those that are not, otherwise all we do is continue to perpetuate the status quo.

New Year’s Resolutions are a great way of re-evaluating everything about your business and making them the corner stones of your new, re-vitalised and re-focussed approach to making money because (and let’s be honest here) that’s what business is all about, at the end of the day!

Not all of the following items on the list will necessarily work for you but I suspect most will so just think of them as a reference point — a blueprint, if you will — on which you can base your own business strategy for the coming 12 months.

These resolutions are based on the very simple premise that there are only three ways that you can grow your business: 1. Get more customers 2. Sell more often to existing customers and/or; 3. Sell more things to existing customers Since there appears to be ample evidence from multiple sources that acquiring a new customer can cost you up to nine times more than retaining an existing one, it clearly makes more sense to focus (at least initially) on selling more stuff, and more often, to your current customer base. Here then, are our 10 suggestions for what you can do to maximise your sales, your time and your profit:

1 Increase your compliance levels

3 Take on a junior

Make a conscious effort to increase your compliance levels in supporting preferred suppliers. After all, they probably pay you higher commissions than what your agency can earn, delivering discretionary sales to non-preferred ones.

A perfect example is when your agency places cruise sales through tour operators who pay you 10% commission when you can earn anywhere between 12% and 15% (or higher) when you book them directly with our preferred cruise suppliers. The same goes for other industry sectors.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find experienced staff So take on a junior and start training them up so that they can take the pressure off your more senior staff and thus minimise the incidence of costly mistakes. It also provides you with more coverage when it comes to days off, sick days, holidays, maternity leave etc.

2 Invest in training Spend some money and send your front counter staff on training courses — particularly those that focus on selling skills as it will be the best money that you’ll ever spend.

Consider such expenditure as an investment rather than as a cost.

4 Conduct weekly staff meetings If you don’t already do so, instigate weekly staff meetings on Mondays in order to review sales performances from the previous week; Address mistakes that might have been made or problems encountered and plan for the week ahead. In order to make time for such staff meetings, don’t open until an hour later than normal and put a sign on the door and/or message on your answering machine or night service. It is quite common for most companies to open late one day a week for training purposes so why not travel agencies? Your customers will understand.

29

Top Tips New Year’s Resolutions For 2019

5 Delegate more

8 Embrace online

Assign portfolios or specific areas of responsibility to different members of staff, depending on their respective skill sets and years of experience. Everyone can’t become or maintain sufficient levels of expertise in every area of travel agency practice so why even try? Appoint someone with responsibility for cruise product; someone else for long haul; someone else for package/family holidays and someone else for weddings/special events or whatever.

Each person should have the responsibility of keeping all other colleagues up-to-date with relevant market/product information and should be the ‘Go To’ person when any other member of staff has a question or problem. Specialisation is the name of the game.

Like it or not, we now live in an increasingly networked world Where people expect to be entertained and informed on a 24/7 cycle. You therefore need to set time aside in your busy working day for updates to be written in respect of your online presence, whether that be your website, Facebook page, Twitter or Pinterest account or your Blog!

Assign this duty/responsibility (as already alluded to in item 5 above) to whichever member of staff is most adept at navigating the various social media channels that you wish to engage with new and existing clients.

6 Concentrate on the 20% It is claimed that 20% of your customers represent 80% of your profit So it is extremely important that you identify who those 20% are and focus your efforts on keeping them happy and selling them even more stuff. This means that you need to constantly analyse your sales data from your back office system (if you don’t currently have one then you need to invest in one straight away!) or better still, invest in a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. Each customer should be viewed in terms of their lifetime value to your agency — not just the value of their last purchase!

7 Start to specialise As traditional markets that were once the preserve of the travel agent get whittled away by changing consumer habits and the onward progression of technology, you need to seriously re-think your long term plan and try to identify a niche that can be exploited or a market that isn’t yet adequately served, whether that be gastronomic holidays, trips abroad for cycling enthusiasts or nature lovers etc. With Google planning to roll out new and more sophisticated search and booking solutions for travellers and recent announcements that Ryanair is planning to get into the package holiday business, current sources of sales and profits will inevitably dry up in time. As travel in general becomes increasingly commoditised, you need to move your business up the value chain in order to cater for a more sophisticated, demanding and discerning kind of consumer who is happy to pay extra for exemplary levels of service and travel expertise.

30

9 Be proactive Don’t wait for the business to walk through your door.

Those days are all but over so you need to be more assertive in letting people know that you exist and provide them with a compelling argument for why they should choose your services over those of your competitors. Set aside a realistic marketing budget but also invest some time in exploiting the media’s insatiable appetite for news by writing (or getting someone else to write) your own press releases as it is a marketing activity that is often overlooked by travel agents and certainly undervalued. No less a person that Bill Gates (founder of Microsoft and arguably the world’s richest man) once famously said that if he was ever down to his last dollar, he would spend it on PR! Be creative in your marketing efforts and don’t exclude the potential to be gained from collaborating with other local businesses to your mutual benefit — e.g. credit unions, banks, pharmacies, camera shops, places that sell luggage, swimsuits etc.

10 Stop working for nothing Stop being an unofficial tourist bureau where people wander in to pick your brains, only to wander out again and book it online. If you don’t value your expertise and put a premium on your time, how do you expect other people to?

Be limited in the information that you divulge and seriously consider introducing booking/commitment deposits in order to separate the tyre kickers from genuine customers.

Start a dialogue with your local competitor(s) and ask them to do likewise so that neither of you suffers at the hands of the other.

Top Tips Guarding Against Credit Card Fraud

It is becoming increasingly important for consumers to have the ability to buy goods and services without having to be physically present at the point of sale. Card Not Present (CNP) transactions are an important part of your product/service ordering but this shouldn’t mean that you lose out to the fraudsters who seek to abuse the system.

Criminals now use this type of fraud with complete anonymity, therefore there is more risk involved in accepting a CNP order.

Remember - you can be held financially accountable for a fraudulent transaction, even if the issuer has authorised it. To protect yourself against CNP fraud, there are a number of simple guidelines which, if followed, will help stop fraudulent transactions from the outset. These straightforward steps will allow you to determine whether a transaction, the card and the cardholder are genuine.

1 Security

We recommend that you observe these guidelines. CNP orders fall under these categories:

INTERNET, TELEPHONE, E-MAIL For all CNP orders, the following details must be obtained: 1. The card number.

2. The cardholder’s name as it appears on the card.

3. The expiry date.

4. The customer’s name and address.

5. Insist on obtaining a land line phone number

1. Transactions from cards issued overseas.

2. Delivery addresses that are very different to billing addresses.

3. Orders shipped to a single address made on multiple cards.

2 Internet orders 1.

Check the time of the transaction. A large percentage of card fraud is carried out late at night.

2. Be wary of orders coming from free e-mail addresses. It is often difficult, if not impossible, to trace these back to the sender.

3 Telephone orders 1. Record the time and date of the call.

2. Does the customer have trouble remembering his/her address and telephone number?

4 Email orders 1.

As with Internet based transactions, be wary of orders coming from free e-mail addresses. It is often difficult, if not impossible, to trace these back to the sender.

2. Make extra checks about the cardholder as outlined below.

CNP transactions

6 Responsibility 1.

You should have a detailed understanding of the risks associated with CNP transactions.

2. If you fail to follow the procedures established by your acquiring bank, you may end up being liable for the transaction.

7 what should you do if you are suspicious?

1. Make extra checks.

2. Check if the delivery address has been used before with different card details, contact names and/or phone numbers.

3. Call your acquirer (AIB, Bank of Ireland or Ulster Bank) and ask them to check the name and address of the cardholder with the issuer of the card.

4. If you still feel the transaction is fraudulent do not proceed with the transaction. Remember — you can be held financially accountable for a fraudulent transaction, even if the issuer has authorised it.

5. If you become a victim of card fraud, contact the police immediately.

5 Tell tale signs of fraudlent

31

Resources Website of the Week

The problem with the Internet is its sheer size. Over 600 new websites launch every single minute of every day, 365 days a year so is it any wonder that it is impossible for anyone to try and keep up with this neverending and forever expanding list of online resources?

In our own very small way, Travel Centres tries to keep an eye out for new and interesting websites that we feel might, in one way or another, make your life a little easier and your work day more productive. Where possible, we try to choose travel-relevant sites but we consider anything fair game, as long as it’s work-related. Here is a collated listing of what online resources we’ve shared with you to date!

32

Publish Date

Website of the Week

04/09/2018

https://www.stockfootageforfree.com/

28/08/2018

https://borrowaboat.com/

21/08/2018

http://www.resortfeechecker.com/about.html

09/08/2018

https://www.canva.com/

30/07/2018

https://www.printfriendly.com/

23/07/2018

https://bit.ly/2O4nUIT

16/07/2018

https://www.jacksflightclub.co.uk/

09/07/2018

https://www.transfertravel.com/

02/07/2018

http://www.mapfrappe.com/

25/06/2018

https://www.tourhound.co.uk/

17/06/2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-b4SUOfn_4

12/06/2018

http://thebesttravelled.com/

05/06/2018

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/first.shtml

27/05/2018

https://tinyurl.com/yd2eflao

19/05/2018

http://www.writewords.org.uk/word_count.asp

07/05/2018

https://www.henleypassportindex.com/

28/04/2018

www.numbeo.com

22/04/2018

https://privnote.com/

15/04/2018

https://www.routehappy.com/

09/04/2018

https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout

01/04/2018

https://tinyurl.com/ycrzjjv5

24/03/2018

https://gdprcourse.com/

15/03/2018

https://spark.adobe.com/

05/03/2018

http://www.ace.net.nz/tech/TechFileFormat.html

27/02/2018

https://www.priceoftravel.com/

19/02/2018

https://trends.google.com/trends/

12/02/2018

http://www.isitdownrightnow.com

04/02/2018

http://www.visualcapitalist.com/global-millionaire-population/

30/01/2018

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/

22/01/2018

https://www.mapcustomizer.com/

15/01/2018

https://www.passportindex.org/

07/01/2018

https://www.pexels.com/

17/12/2017

http://twistedsifter.com/2013/08/maps-that-will-help-you-make-sense-of-the-world/

10/12/2017

https://www.antipodesmap.com/

26/11/2017

https://www.crystalknows.com/

19/11/2017

https://www.memrise.com/

05/11/2017

https://globomd.com/

01/11/2017

https://www.byhours.com/en.html

22/10/2017

http://backgroundchecks.org/justdeleteme/fake-identity-generator/

01/10/2017

https://www.recharge.com/en-IE

24/09/2017

http://www.whym.global/

17/09/2017

www.cruisecompete.com

10/09/2017

http://www.wikivoyage.org/

06/09/2017

https://burner.bonanza.com/

27/08/2017

http://www.findsounds.com/

21/08/2017

http://hackertyper.net/

Resources Website of the Week

Publish Date

Website of the Week

14/08/2017

https://eversign.com/

07/08/2017

https://turo.com/

30/07/2017

https://www.acronymfinder.com/

25/07/2017

http://www.easytaxi.com/

10/07/2017

https://www.airfordable.com/

02/07/2017

https://www.travedoc.com/

26/06/2017

http://web.asta.org/imis/travelsense/simplesearch

17/06/2017

https://sidewaysdictionary.com/#/

11/06/2017

https://www.woorank.com/

28/05/2017

http://smmry.com/

21/05/2017

http://picresize.com/results

14/05/2017

https://www.hubspot.com/pricing/crm

03/05/2017

https://unsplash.com/

24/04/2017

https://www.virustotal.com/

18/04/2017

https://www.plustransfer.com/

07/04/2017

https://www.freepdfconvert.com/pdf-jpg

01/04/2017

https://funeralbooker.com/home-cremation

25/03/2017

https://travefy.com/

18/03/2017

https://getpocket.com

11/03/2017

http://bit.ly/2n9W5F0

28/02/2017

http://www.worldreviewer.com/

20/02/2017

http://www.googleguide.com/

13/02/2017

http://www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com/

06/02/2017

http://www.miceandtourismaroundtheworld.com/calendar-of-events

31/01/2017

https://unsplash.com/

23/01/2017

https://www.amcharts.com/visited_countries/#

03/01/2017

http://www.worldreviewer.com/

21/12/2016

https://studio.stupeflix.com/en/

13/12/2016

https://instabridge.com/en/

05/12/2016

http://www.mapillary.com/map

06/11/2016

https://www.medigo.com/en

02/11/2016

https://www.sailo.com/

25/10/2016

http://www.thecruisechecker.co.uk/

20/10/2016

http://www.directferries.com/

09/10/2016

https://www.busbud.com/en/

02/10/2016

www.pana.com

12/09/2016

http://happyplanetindex.org/

29/08/2016

https://bitly.com/

23/08/2016

www.thetruesize.com

17/08/2016

http://www.oldversion.com/

09/08/2016

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/

01/08/2016

https://www.hotelwifitest.com/

24/07/2016

https://geoguessr.com/

12/07/2016

www.changeupdate.com

04/07/2016

https://haveibeenpwned.com/

27/06/2016

www.itt.co.uk

19/06/2016

https://onlinetraveltraining.com/uk/

31/05/2016

https://www.scribblemaps.com/

18/05/2016

https://wn.nr/kFkh3h

14/05/2016

http://morguefile.com/

14/05/2016

https://pixabay.com/

14/05/2016

https://stocksnap.io/

14/05/2016

https://unsplash.com/

14/05/2016

http://raumrot.com/

14/05/2016

http://negativespace.co/photos/

14/05/2016

http://www.lifeofpix.com/

14/05/2016

http://freestocks.org/

06/05/2016

https://suitecrm.com/ 33

Resources Website of the Week

34

Publish Date

Website of the Week

26/04/2016

http://scam-detector.com/

20/03/2016

http://www.invoiceto.me/

02/03/2016

http://excelexposure.com/

25/02/2016

http://www.goodcountry.org/index_intro

15/02/2016

www.ereceptionist.ie

06/02/2016

https://www.teamsid.com/worst-passwords-2015/

01/02/2016

https://www.passportindex.org/

27/01/2016

https://www.hotelsbyday.com/en

27/01/2016

http://www.byhours.com/en_gb.html

18/01/2016

http://www.dayuse.co.uk/

23/12/2015

https://pixlr.com/

12/12/2015

www.woorank.com

26/11/2015

http://www.ticketbis.com/ie/

08/11/2015

https://wiffinity.com/

26/10/2015

WWW.WHATISMYIP.COM

20/10/2015

http://passwordsgenerator.net/

11/10/2015

http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

28/09/2015

http://worlds-exotic-beaches.com/

21/09/2015

http://blog.qr4.nl/QR-Code-WiFi.aspx

16/09/2015

http://www.ifitweremyhome.com/

28/08/2015

https://www.record360.com/

17/08/2015

https://www.spinlister.com/

11/08/2015

https://tinyjpg.com/

06/08/2015

https://www.carhood.com.au/

28/07/2015

http://pennystocks.la/internet-in-real-time/

22/07/2015

https://www.flyvictor.com/flights

13/07/2015

http://gofluency.com/

05/07/2015

http://whatismyipaddress.com/

23/06/2015

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lists_of_lists

10/06/2015

http://www.webflyer.com/

03/06/2015

http://travelbydrone.com/

26/05/2015

www.scr.im

10/05/2015

http://internetdirectory.info/

28/04/2015

http://www.printablepaper.net/

17/04/2015

http://meerkatapp.co/

17/04/2015

https://www.periscope.tv/

07/04/2015

http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/search-engines

30/03/2015

http://www.mypcbackup.com/#ic

23/03/2015

www.eircode.ie

11/03/2015

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/

07/03/2015

https://www.busbud.com/en/

25/02/2015

http://www.goodinfographics.com/

19/02/2015

http://virusscan.jotti.org/en

13/02/2015

http://www.movie-locations.com/

03/02/2015

https://unsplash.com/

20/01/2015

http://www.sleepinginairports.net/

14/01/2015

www.goodnet.org

05/01/2015

http://browsehappy.com/

31/12/2014

www.traineo.com

31/12/2014

www.stackk.com

23/12/2014

http://world-geography-games.com/

11/12/2014

https://www.grc.com/haystack.htm

28/11/2014

www.faxzero.com

Resources List of Blogs

The travelling public has an insatiable appetite for information and it is often very hard and onerous to keep that appetite satisfied — particularly if you have your own Facebook page or website that needs constant updating.

Therefore, why put yourself under all that stress when Travel Centres is more than happy to let you syndicate our own Blog Awards Ireland Finalist content — the only condition being that you credit us with the authorship of same. We publish a blog most weeks on www.travelbug.ie and the following list provides you with a one line description of the subject matter of each blog that’s already been published; its original date of publication and a word count, in case you’re limited by the length of article that you can upload.

Title

Publish Date

Word count

What the Blog is about

When a man is tired of London …

12/09/2018

670

Why London is underappreciated by Irish people

Out of this world!

03/09/2018

649

Ponant Le Laperouse

The fascinating world of micro-climates

26/08/2018

538

Micro climates around the world such as Mogan, Gran Canaria

When they’re gone, they’re gone!

13/08/2018

972

Places to tck off the bucket list before they cease to exist

The gems right on our doorstep!

06/08/2018

743

Isle of Man and Channel Islands

Lakes & Mountains — a gem just waiting to be discovered!

30/07/2018

627

Lakes & Mountains holidays for a change of scenery

Where to stay in London?

24/07/2018

718

The Grand Royale Hotel

Bucket Lists and all that jazz

16/07/2018

775

Personal top six places left to visit on my bucket list

The vicissitudes of being single

12/07/2018

634

Intrepid Travel's single supplement initiative

Objects may appear smaller than they actually are

02/07/2018

604

Some destinations are bigger than you think

Up close and cuddly!

28/06/2018

589

Swimming with Jaguars in Honduras

Far from the madding crowd.

18/06/2018

685

Least visited destinatins in Europe

There’s nothing like a good Seaview

12/06/2018

644

MSC Seaview

Are you a tourist or a traveller?

06/06/2018

582

9 destinations to visit for an authentic experience

Some of the most beautiful destinations are on our doorstep.

27/05/2018

642

The Cotswolds

Georgian on my mind

19/05/2018

706

The delights of the city of Bath

When travelling by sea makes sense

09/05/2018

792

The benefits of travelling by Ferry

The thorny issue of visas

30/04/2018

727

The devil is in the detail

Does familiarity breed contempt?*

23/04/2018

754

Dunmore East

Is Barcelona the perfect short break city destination?

16/04/2018

828

My quick trip to Barcelona

The best cruise ship in the world

10/04/2018

886

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas

Do you know what travel agents do?

27/03/2018

680

Travel agents role is more complex than the public often assume

You say tomato, I say tomayto!

19/03/2018

872

Sensory overload from too much travel at once?

Is Singapore the perfect city?

09/03/2018

867

A few days in Singapore

35

Resources List of Blogs

36

Title

Publish Date

Word count

What the Blog is about

It’s all about context!

28/02/2018

896

Boracay, the Philippines - not really as good as they say…

The reasons why we buy things are changing.

19/02/2018

458

Wi-Fi at 30,000 feet

WHERE TO GO IN 2018? — PART 3

12/02/2018

462

San Sebastian, Spain

WHERE TO GO TO IN 2018? — PART 2

05/02/2018

425

China

WHERE TO GO IN 2018?

30/01/2018

399

Seattle, Portland, Hong Kong and more

HOW TO BOOK YOUR FIRST CRUISE!

22/01/2018

1012

Room 101 for new-to-cruise

Where to go in 2018?

07/01/2018

451

Puglia, Italy

Snow, beautiful snow!

17/12/2017

630

Ski breaks

The most sparsely-populated country in Europe is becoming increasingly crowded!

11/12/2017

593

Iceland

Harry Potter and the Portuguese connection!

26/11/2017

515

Coimbra, Portugal - where JK Rowling drew her inspiration

Seattle, here we come!

19/11/2017

605

Visit Seattle with Aer Lingus new direct route

Water Babies — Cities that live in, by or on the water!

05/11/2017

629

Destinations that are defined by their proximity to H2O

And you thought it was all about the destination?

22/10/2017

496

Bridge climbing in Portugal

Why does it take a hurricane for consumers to appreciate the value of service?

01/10/2017

518

Travel agents have got your back when things go wrong

Buy cheap, buy twice.

24/09/2017

518

Cheap online holidays v value with travel agents when there is a problem

Who should pay for whom — The longrunning joke that is Irish travel legislation!

17/09/2017

880

Your not covered if airline goes bust suggest universal levy to cover everyone.

Without a Travel agent, your on your own!

10/09/2017

577

Don’t take the chance with your travel arrangements, use and agent for peace of mind.

So you think you know the canaries?

07/09/2017

707

The island of La Gomera

How you save money as soon as you pick up the phone to call a travel agent!

27/08/2017

434

Time is money!

Is anywhere safe anymore?

21/08/2017

563

Safest places in the world stats

Where do you go next when you’ve been almost everywhere?

14/08/2017

715

The remote island of St Helena

These numbers may surprise you!

07/08/2017

649

Cruising stats

The same, but different - on Safari in Kenya

30/07/2017

680

Safari in Kenya

4°37′S 55°27′E — The coordinates of Paradise!

25/07/2017

624

Seychelles trip

I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list!

10/07/2017

535

Safari is on the list

The Pleasure Paradox

02/07/2017

464

Theme parks around the world

Experience how the other half live

26/06/2017

450

Dublin Airport Platinum Services

There is no sincerer love than the love of food!

19/06/2017

578

Oceania Cruise line

The Success story that is MSC Cruises!

11/06/2017

497

Brief MSC history

The Vegans are coming - live long and prosper!

29/05/2017

556

9 great vegan restaurants around the world

What is the ultimate travel experience?

22/05/2017

694

G-Adventures Expedition ship

Theme parks with a difference - part 2

14/05/2017

683

Novelty theme parks around the world

Theme parks with a difference - part 1

03/05/2017

617

Novelty theme parks around the world

The reasons why we travel and the criteria by which we choose our destinations

26/04/2017

585

Most expensive and least expensive cities in the world

Resources List of Blogs

Title

Publish Date

Word count

What the Blog is about

Shoulder season - The best time to travel in Europe?

18/04/2017

383

Avoid peak season to enjoy monetary savings

Luxury - Silver Muse by another name!

10/04/2017

768

Silver Muse launch

What is value and why is it more important than price? - part 2

01/04/2017

674

Travel price vs value of what you get

What is value and why is it more important than price? - part 1

26/03/2017

482

Hidden costs of 'low cost' Airlines

Prediction is difficult - especially if it is about the future

18/03/2017

547

The future of cruising

The beauty of Lourdes - How perceptions sometimes do us no favours

10/03/2017

668

Lourdes is not only for the religious

Riviera Travel and the sinuosity of Rivers

03/03/2017

620

5* River Cruising

The 10,000 hour rule

21/02/2017

643

Travel agents can specialise in different areas of travel

What budgets reveal about how much we spend

15/02/2017

711

Price: Package holiday Vs Cruising

Would you like to win €2,500?

06/02/2017

570

Customer Booking incentive competition

Ones man's meat…

02/02/2017

501

Variety is the spice of life when choosing a destination

Be careful what you wish for!

22/01/2017

828

Tyre kicking 'customers'

Timely advice

03/01/2017

611

Book travel as soon as possible to get the best value

Where to go in 2017?

20/12/2016

730

Why you should consider a cruise in place of a European package holiday

Don't miss the boat!

14/12/2016

535

Uniworld river cruising

Its that time of year again!

05/12/2016

537

Christmas Markets

All roads lead north at this time of year

06/11/2016

292

Lapland

Fear is temporary - Regret is forever!

02/11/2016

524

Go somewhere different and do somethingout of your comfort zone

The true cost of that holiday!

25/10/2016

420

Which countries are better value for money once you get there

Moving out of your comfort zone

20/10/2016

436

Hurtigruten Expeditions

Sometimes, perfection is nearer than you think!

09/10/2016

443

Cliff house hotel visit

Self-catering or all-inclusive — which represents better value for money?

02/10/2016

861

Benefits of all inclusive holidays

Planning a honeymoon abroad?

19/09/2016

556

wedding hotels in italy

Out of this world!

12/09/2016

411

Seven unique landscapes across the globe

Ready for something a little bit out of the ordinary?

03/09/2016

467

Six interetsing museums around the world

Anxious. Scared. Terrified — Tales of an adrenaline junkie — Part 3

31/08/2016

970

Safari in Kruger National Park

Anxious. Scared. Terrified — Tales of an adrenaline junkie — Part 2

23/08/2016

681

Bloukrans Gorge bungee jump

Anxious. Scared. Terrified — Tales of an adrenaline junkie — Part 1

18/08/2016

766

Cage diving with great whites

Are you a tourist or a traveller?

01/08/2016

403

Do you embrace the culture or drink in Irish bars and eat in MacDonalds abroad?

The inherent dangers of booking online!

24/07/2016

494

Another reason to book with a travel agents

37

Resources List of Blogs

38

Title

Publish Date

Word count

What the Blog is about

Where's the nicest place you've ever been?

05/07/2016

391

French Polynesia

When in Sydney — stay here!

11/06/2016

542

Beautiful accommodation in Sydney

Sheer beauty — and the statistics that sit behind it!

08/05/2016

514

Abu Dhabi

What do you enjoy most about travelling?

08/04/2016

509

Gastronomy

The 'other' Los Angeles

20/03/2016

521

My last trip to Los Angeles

It takes 15,000 casualties to train a major general

02/03/2016

481

WW1 Battlefields with GTI

Where is the best place in the world to live?

25/02/2016

430

The grass isnt always greener on the other side

2016 is not the year to hold off booking your holiday arrangements!

15/02/2016

424

Dont always count on 'last minute deals' for your holidays

Take the hassle out of travel

27/01/2016

323

Dublin Airport Services

If it sounds too good to be true — it most probably is!

10/01/2016

930

Dont be scammed by cheap holidays

Keeping the magic alive!

23/12/2015

372

Lapland

Where to go for next year’s holidays?

30/11/2015

532

Try a cruising holiday

Now that’s big!

08/11/2015

525

MSC Fantasia cruise ship

There’s ‘free’ … and then there’s ‘FREE’!

30/10/2015

343

2 countries for 1 with Wendy Wu Tours

Variety is the Spice of Life

12/10/2015

554

There is more to Spain than just Lanzarote, Malaga and Majorca. Get out and explore a bit more!

Is it just me?

30/09/2015

665

Reconsidering the joys and benefits of travelling by car or train

The thrill that is history

16/09/2015

450

Sicily and it’s amazing historical treasures

All Travel Doesn’t have to be International

30/08/2015

450

Fishing village in the sunny south East called Dunmore East

What, exactly, is value?

17/10/2015

1009

Why you get more value for money choosing a travel agent over booking via the net.

Blogtastic — The rise and rise of the travel blog!

10/08/2015

352

Travel bloggers to follow

'Life is a journey - not a destination'

29/07/2015

687

Why flying with SAS and choosing their "plus" product is worth every penny.

Scandinavia's best kept secret!

23/07/2015

568

Trip to Stockholm

The undiscovered France!

13/07/2015

592

The Midi-Pyrenees area of France and its delights!

If Toulouse is not on your radar — it should be!

05/07/2015

552

Trip to Toulouse

Heaven does exist — and it's located in Tuscany!

23/06/2015

530

The delights of Tuscany

The culinary landscape around the world is changing!

14/06/2015

494

Peruvian Gastronomy

All aboard for all-inclusive!

31/05/2015

677

All inclusive holidays and their value for money

Where should I go on my next holiday?

10/05/2015

418

Top 10 countries to go based on visitors per annum

Absence makes the heart grow fonder!

04/05/2015

491

Dunmore East - from the perspective of a cruise ship visitor

Why familiarity sometimes breeds contempt!

17/04/2015

701

Why Tenerife is a great destination even though it is not "exotic" enough in some people’s opinions

Istanbul — The city with multiple personalities!

02/04/2015

450

Trip to Istanbul

Resources List of Blogs

Title

Publish Date

Word count

What the Blog is about

Beijing — City of contrasts

24/03/2015

526

Trip to Beijing

Finding the best fare between point A and point B — how complicated can it be?

12/03/2015

345

Why travel agents can find a better air fare for you than the internet

Why is it always about the price with travel arrangements?

08/03/2015

530

How travel decisions can sometimes be based on incomplete information

27/02/2015

403

Tripadvisor doesn’t always paint the clearest picture - your travel agent will

Will South America be the next big thing in travel?

17/02/2015

577

Brazil

Orange is the new orange

10/02/2015

458

Thailand

A great location in London

02/02/2015

378

Premier Inn County Hall Central London - Review

Get it in writing

21/01/2015

461

Trip to Hong Kong

It's not just great, it's %!$£*& amazing!

14/01/2015

376

Great Wall of China

Now that's what I call value!

31/12/2014

357

China's subway system

Where is the most visited place on Earth? The answer may surprise you!

11/12/2014

455

The Grand Bazaar, Turkey

Hong Kong — New York's alter ego!

28/11/2014

561

Fam trip to Hong Kong

Rioja — a little piece of heaven!

09/11/2014

623

Rioja - my experience of its vineyards

How good is your geographic knowledge?

27/10/2014

404

Bilbao

There's more to life than getting a tan!

06/10/2014

402

Winter holidays - Iceland

Glamping — Don't dismiss it until you've tried it!

22/09/2014

864

Glamping in South Africa

Where's the best tourist destination in the world?

15/09/2014

766

My holiday to South Africa

Some things are hard to quantify ...

03/09/2014

701

Technology on Royal Caribbean Quantum class ships

Macho Peak(u)?

18/08/2014

638

My trip to Machu Picchu

What happens in Vegas ...

05/08/2014

390

Shopping in Las Vegas

Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario

29/07/2014

308

Review of Blue Mountain Resort

The Lost Continent?

06/07/2014

484

Why don’t the Irish visit South America more?

A rising tide raises all boats ...

02/07/2014

615

My trip to Nova Scotia

The Tip of the Iceberg!

25/06/2014

757

Newfoundland

You'll have a cordial time here alright!

17/06/2014

640

Review - Cordial Mogan Playa, Gran Canaria

This place is a Zoo!

03/06/2014

409

List of world’s biggest Zoos.

Travel Back in Time

19/05/2014

242

GTI - War Tours

Food, glorious food!

28/04/2014

273

Food in Traders hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is in the news these days for all the wrong reasons!

14/04/2014

540

My trip to Malaysia

All legacy carriers are created equal — right? Wrong!

30/03/2014

701

What Turkish Airlines can offer you

A little piece of paradise on our doorstep!

18/03/2014

256

Review - Mogan, Gran Canaria

And now for something completely different!

09/02/2014

540

Krakow

Why you need a travel agent!

26/01/2014

391

Self explanatory title

Don't forget the small guys!

31/12/2013

341

Artisan type travel companies - Travel Focus, Discover Travel to name but a few…

39

welcome to THE NEW

BEDSONLINE FASTER. SMARTER.

A one-stop-shop for Travel Agents

Stronger.

An unrivalled booking platform

A product portfolio designed for your customers

A huge selection of hotels, activities, car rentals and transfers

Join www. bedsonline. com and discover how to grow your business

Accommodation Bedsonline

Bedsonline is part of Hotelbeds Group, so both you and your clients can have peace of mind when booking with us. With over 40 years’ experience serving the travel trade, we have combined the leading retail travel brands, following the integration of GTA and Tourico Holidays, to create a partner with the knowledge and industry experience to support your growth. www.bedsonline.com Bedsonline customers are now able to benefit from an exclusive and enhanced product portfolio of hotels, a significant proportion of which are directly contracted, while offering an unrivalled selection of destination experiences, transfers and car rentals to match our global hotel portfolio.

Our head office is located on the sunny island of Majorca.

We have over 10,000 staff supporting travel agents worldwide and your local sales manager is Robert Smart.

Bedsonline - your 360° partner to help your business grow We know that to excel in the ever-changing travel landscape, you need a partner in business that is much more than just a booking engine. We also realise what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of travel and we are totally committed to helping you shine.

Top 10 reasons to book with Bedsonline 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Our global team of contractors on the ground build strong relationships with our hotels, which means that travel agents get exclusive offers and competitive prices for customers, as well as improved service levels.

We have the most powerful and userfriendly booking platform, which has been designed exclusively for travel agents.

We have over 40 years’ travel trade experience which means we have all our industry know-how at your disposal to help your business grow.

We are part of Hotelbeds Group, the number one global B2B travel service provider.

We have local teams on the ground that understand the needs of your market.

Get access to a product portfolio that provides everything your customers are looking for.

We are a one stop shop for travel, activities, transfers and car rentals.

We have regional customer service centres that speak your language, as well as 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year on the road support helping customers should any issue arise.

All bookings can be cancelled or amended online via the Bedsonline website. Should you need to contact us then please use the information below: Sales Manager Ireland Robert Smart M 086 020 3753 E rsmart@bedsonline.com Call Centre T 01 541 0139 E amendments@bedsonline.com Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am until 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am until 2:00pm 24Hr Emergency in resort number: +34 971 211 630

8. Our commercial terms help you grow quicker and maximize revenues.

9. We have attractive incentives that reward loyalty.

10. We are committed to delivering best-in-class product photos and descriptions in many languages.

What’s more, the NEW enhanced Bedsonline platform now offers a diverse and competitive product portfolio with over 170k hotels globally available (with over 90k of those directly sourced), 24k transfer routes and 18k activities, PLUS 140k cars available for hire allowing you to optimize your revenue with our extensive activities, transfer and car rental portfolio. Combined with attractive offers and discounts you won’t be short of choice.

We are your 360° travel partner, providing you with a huge range of travel products to cover all your customer’s needs.

What are you waiting for? Join us now on www.bedsonline.com.

41

Accommodation Bookabed.ie

About us: Bookabed is Ireland’s award winning accommodation online wholesaler providing global content exclusively to the travel trade. We pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service, which is all backed up by our Irish call centre staff and our Business Development Team who are always on hand to assist you with any of your needs. www.bookabed.ie

What’ new for 2019:

Sales/Marketing

2018 has been a very successful year for Bookabed which resulted in our best sales year to date with significant increases in the Irish, UK and Northern Irish markets. Our low deposit long haul flight+hotel packages proved hugely popular and with certain changes made to the site has resulted in some fantastic rates at a low deposit of €100 per person. Our IT fares with the majority of major airlines has now increased (Norwegian and Quatar now added) and allows our longhaul flight+hotel packages to be some of the most competitive rates in the market and with the addition of more staff to our dedicated flight and hotel reservation section allows you to dynamic package any destination including multi stops bookable via phone/email by our hugely experienced team.

As a B2B supplier we only advertise pricing and promotions by the use of banner adverts on our site or email /e-zines to our agency database.

We have enhanced the booking experience by changing the look and feel of our website and adding the “Anywhere” search tab has proved very popular with the agents. If you have not used it yet, it allows all agents to search multiple destinations for European Sun Holiday or European City Break packages in just one click. This excellent tool works brilliantly in conjunction with the various filters on the site and now features lead in prices for each destination via the “Region” filter.

Agent Concessions

New additions for 2019 will be further enhancing the booking experience on our website by adding multicenter options bookable online, online instant purchase fares & a business class booking options.

Cancellation Policy

Unique Selling points: We support the trade! Our wholesale rates are only offered to travel agents. We do not compete against travel agents in the b2c environment.

Destinations served Global hotel, flight and transfer content.

Target Audience We only operate in the b2b environment.

CO-OP Policy Bookabed are happy to work with agents on regional promotions whereby we will co-sponsor targeted destinations or hotel campaigns. Campaigns must be agreed in advance.

Pricing Policy We constantly strive to provide the most competitive pricing policy and offer price-matching where possible.

Staff Incentives

Reservations: T 01 485 2580 Groups: E groups@bookabed.ie Accounts: E accounts@bookabed.ie Administration: E info@bookabed.ie Customer Service: E complaints@booked.ie F 01 285 0649

Voucher promotions, concerts and fam trips.

Please ensure that you check our site or sign up to our newsletter for more info.

We offer all Travel Centres members discounted rate on their own bookings.

Training/Fams Bookabed partake in any Travel Centres training programmes where possible. Individual training can be arranged with our Business Development Team when required. We also endeavour to do a number of fam trips each year.

As per our agency Terms and Conditions and are stipulated at time of booking and on your confirmation documentation.

We will always do our best to assist in cancellation charges where possible.

Credit Terms: Post Departure as per agency terms with Travel Centres based on a Sepa Direct Debit Core scheme which entitles Travel Centres members to recall their last payment up to 8 weeks after it has been taken. (Speak to Lee for more details).

General Information: Bookabed enjoys a long established working relationship with Travel Centres and feel that the value proposition is mutually beneficial for all members. We feel our standards, pricing and best practices are fully in line with Travel Centres ethos.

We offer generous commercial terms of which the details can be provided on request or can be accessed through the Travel Centres agent Intranet system. Our commercial terms are strictly private and confidential and we ask that you do not provide any third party any access to its content or access to our password protected booking engine. Failure to adhere to this confidentiality may result in these enhanced commercial terms being withdrawn without notice.

43

Happy and loyal customers?

Child's play

Dynamic packages Flight + Hotel with hundreds of thousands of hotels worldwide and 400 + airlines

Quick & simple booking path

Deals on major car hire companies

Dedicated support to Travel Agents

Airport transfers and other destination experiences

www.expedia.ie/TAAP

taexpediaie@atts.ie

(0)1 517 1525

Accommodation Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP)

The Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP) allows travel agents to earn commission by booking directly on the expedia.ie/taap website, taking advantage of the best online fares & vast inventory of the world’s largest online travel provider.

New features • Package Rates in Hotel bookings for Silver, Gold and Platinum Agency Tier - Save up to 30% on a hotel with a booked flight, car, train or cruise for the same traveller. Existing booking does not need to be from Expedia.

• Dynamic Hotel Commission Scheme – 4 commission tiers in Hotel bookings

Tips and hints: • Agents discount for Hotel only bookings • For Silver, Gold and Platinum Affiliates, don’t forget to tick Show Me Package Rates to save up to 30% on hotel bookings

Why Expedia TAAP • Open to all travel agents • Free registration • Book with one of world’s largest online travel providers • “One stop shop” – multiple travel products available and commissionable on one website • Over 500,000 hotels, 400+ airlines, activities, car hire and tailor made packages • Offer your clients the same rates they see on Expedia or BETTER • Dedicated local support for ad-hoc queries and / or dedicated trainings • Earn commission on everything you book • Amazing deals and last minute offers • “Message Hotel” directly on Expedia.ie/TAAP • Dedicated call centre to assist with booking amendments, cancellations, queries about bookings and after sales service

www.expedia.ie/TAAP Contact details: Sales & Marketing T (01) 517 1525 Option 1 E taexpediaie@atts.ie Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 17:00 Booking assistance: T (01) 517 1525 Option 2

For further information about registering or agent commissions please contact our business development partner in Ireland:

ATTS Travel Representation Solutions Tel: (01) 517 1525 Option 1 or taexpediaie@atts.ie

45

www.GlobeHotels.ie

is an exclusive Irish travel trade website offering worldwide hotels, apartments and transfer deals online in an instant!

Over 100,000 properties online.

Budget to 5 star luxury properties instantly available.

Instant confirmation and vouchers online.

Exclusive “trade only� deals in popular destinations.

Dedicated Account Manager.

Tel: 01 256 9529

34

Email: sales@globehotels.ie

Accommodation Globehotels

GlobeHotels is a trade only accommodation and transfer supplier offering outstanding value on a wide range of worldwide accommodation and transfer options. We are proud to enter our 12th year as a Preferred Supplier to the Travel Centres Group.

What’s New for 2019?

An ever expanding portfolio of directly contracted quality properties in key resorts for the Irish market including: • Canary Islands / Spain - The Cordial Group, Lopesan / IFA Hotel Group, Riu Hotels, Med Playa Group • Corfu – Ikos Dassia / Marbella Nido Suite Hotel (both brand new for 2018) • Crete – Anemos Luxury Grand Resort / Domes Noruz Chania / Porto Platania Beach & Village Resorts • Villas – extensive range of 2/3/4/5 bed villa options • Apartment and villa options for the USA & Canada

Unique Selling Points • • • •

www.globehotels.ie Contact Details Office 1, The Paddock, Main Street, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath T 01 256 9529 F 01 696 1241 E sales@globehotels.ie Opening hours Mon - Fri 9.15am - 6.00pm and Sat 10.00am - 4.00pm

M.D. Owner E jeff@globehotels.ie Accounts E accounts@globehotels.ie Sales Representative Audrey Headon t 087 2847067 E headonaudrey@gmail.com

Over 14 years’ experience selling to the Irish Travel Trade Huge range of worldwide properties Competitive rates offering great value for money Agency sales representative on the road – Audrey Headon • Friendly Sales Support Team offering great service • We have a 24 hour Emergency Contact number available to agents & clients in resort.

We have a busy year of promotions lined up for 2018 and will update our site with offers and send regular e-mails to our agency database. If you are not receiving our e-mails please advise Audrey or email sales@globehotels.ie and we’ll be happy to include you.

Destinations

Staff Incentives

Globe Hotels have a worldwide reach and we are particularly strong in key destinations popular in the Irish market e.g.

Spain, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Greece and the USA.

Globe Hotels will offer ad hoc booking incentives. Please ensure you are on our agency database to receive further information.

Target Audience We are a trade only site.

Staff discounts on all member agent’s own accommodation bookings.

CO-OP Policy

Training / Fams

Globe Hotels is happy to work with agents who proactively promote our product range. Proposals for joint ventures can be discussed with Audrey or sent to sales@globehotels.ie.

Onsite visits from Audrey to member agents to conduct inhouse training and product updates. We will host educational trips/site inspections and member agents will be invited to participate based on agency sales. Globe Hotels will also participate in the Travel Centres webinar programme.

Pricing Policy Globe Hotels will continue to develop our range of accommodation and transfer partners to offer the most competitive rates in the market. We are happy to consider any price match provided the comparison is on a like-for-like basis.

Sales/ Marketing Globe Hotels have a generous preferred supplier agreement with the Travel Centres Group so we encourage all member agents to get booking on www.globehotels.ie to benefit from the agreement.

Agent Concessions

Cancellation Policy Cancellation T&C’s apply at 4 days before check-in unless otherwise advised. Non-refundable rates are within cancellation terms from time of booking. Some Apartment/ Villas require a non-refundable deposit which will be advised at time of booking.

Credit Terms Agents on direct debit receive up to 7 days credit.

Pre payment is required 10 days before check-in if agents paying by bank transfer.

47

WHY JAMES VILLAS? Rural to resort, we have villas to suit 2 to 20 people Choose from 2900 villas across 50 destinations Expert help & support on hand by our Villa Managers Free air conditioning, Wi-Fi, cots and highchairs

THE

LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A

34 ABTA No.W3940

Trapezaki Bay View, Kefalonia

BIG HOLIDAY

JAMESVILLAS.CO.UK

0800 074 0377

Accommodation James Villas

As the UK’s leading villa holiday experts, James Villa Holidays knows a thing or two about creating dream getaways. We focus on the little things, and what they add up to for both you and your customers. Our aim is to design holidays so neither or your customer have to worry about a thing!

Why book with James?

• Complete price parity - one price for all • We use all airlines from all airports • Receive commission on many package elements including villa, car hire, private transfers, travel insurance and flights • Incentives for you throughout the year • A dedicated Agent Portal- jamesvillas.ie/agents • Never any under occupancy supplements • Locations to suit everyone • With villas for 2 or 20 • 2900 villas across 50 destinations • Free maid or linen service, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, cots and high-chairs*

Choosing the right villa Whether your customer is looking for a taste of the villa lifestyle without breaking the bank, or the height of luxury for their holiday – finding the perfect home away from home couldn’t be easier. It’s just another little thing we take care of!

We have a wide choice of villas, but finding the one doesn’t have to be a difficult.

jamesvillas.ie/agents Call our friendly Travel Advisers E agentadmin@jamesvillas.co.uk T +44 (0)152 452 97 Mon - Fri 8am - 9pm Sat - Sun 9am - 9pm

Top 10 Tips for Selling James Villas 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

With locations to suit everyone ranging from amazing beach side breaks to scenic rural retreats, we offer a huge selection of villas apartments and town-houses that sleep from 2 to 20 people. We are continually expanding our destinations so we have your customer’s favourite or the one soon to be discovered. Family gathering, all out luxury, privacy required, a value getaway in the sun, or just a base to explore – whatever the customer needs, we have a villa to suit.

Need some inspiration to help choose the perfect villa?

Looking for a pool with a view, a villa in the centre of the action, or a property that sleeps a large group? James can recommend villas to suit you. Browse through our villas that have that specific something you’re looking for at: jamesvillas.co.uk/james-recommends

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Our full collection is available to book online today – log onto our Agent Portal for weekly offers, selling tools, help and support.

We offer villas with great pools, amazing views, and fantastic villa living space. Customers can choose 1 – 10 bed villas with no under occupancy supplements.

Properties are hand-picked by villa experts so they’re located in the best spots with different car hire options – car essential, advised and optional.

We work with top car hire suppliers to offer your customers car hire options all with zero excess.

We book the whole package – your customers can choose flight options with the flexibility of regional departures.

Your customers can choose flight options departing from any airport including low cost, scheduled and charter airlines.

We offer flexible durations to suit your customers.

We work with top car hire suppliers to offer your customers options with zero excess.

All our villas pas our health and safety checks and quality standards.

Our helpful Agent Portal gives you all the tools you need to help sell our villa holidays, including weekly offers with regional flights, advice and support plus all the latest offers and agent incentives.

Brochures Brochure requests can be made via RTS.

49

Free Call: 1800 939 130 Sales: start@stuba.com Support: help@stuba.com AWARD WINNING ACCOMMODATION WHOLESALER SINCE 1991

WOW, IT’S A GAME CHANGER

GETABED HAVE BECOME STUBA. IT’S GETABED, BUT BETTER.

THIS IS NOT FAKE NEWS

THEY STILL OFFER SAME GREAT SERVICE FROM THEIR UK CALL CENTRE AND PROVIDE ME WITH ALCOHOL… SUPPORT, I MEAN 24x7 SUPPORT

…STILL THE SAME FANTASTIC ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT TEAM!

ARRRGGGHHHH… I CAN’T GET AWAY FROM THEM STUBA OFFERS FANTASTIC COMMISSIONS AND AWESOME PRICING. FINALLY, RATINGS FROM A TRAVEL AGENT FOR A TRAVEL AGENT!

SMART SEARCH OPTIONS – DOES THIS MEAN I HAVE TO DRESS UP TO SEARCH? IT’S ALL BECOME CLEAR TO ME NOW

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU KID OUR RETINA FEATURE OFFERS ONE CLICK AND YOUR SCREEN CHANGES TO SHOW YOUR LOGO.

...OUR REVIEWS COME FROM MULTIPLE REVIEW SITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA.

I’M JUST GOING TO PUT MY FEET UP STUBA ARE DOING ALL MY WORK FOR ME

...STUBA’S HIGH QUALITY IMAGES AND IMPROVED HOTEL INFORMATION ARE SECOND TO NONE. SHARING IS CARING...

THE STUBA Q-PUSH FUNCTION SENDS CUSTOMERS QUOTES WITH IMAGES AND INFORMATION VIA EMAIL.

SO WE’VE GIVEN YOU TOP 10 REASONS TO WORK WITH STUBA… WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED? JUST LET US KNOW.

Accommodation Stuba

Stuba is delighted to have recently launched in Ireland. Stuba is the unified brand following the merger of getabed and roomsXML. Stuba.com will be a brand new website which will showcase the very best product and technology from the new combined business.

Tell me more about Stuba…

Stuba.com is an accommodation wholesaler exclusively for the trade, offering over 88,000 properties around the world, at competitive rates available in real time.

You will get unrivalled access to the best hotel rates and availability, thanks to our unique mix of static, dynamic, exclusive rates, due to our direct contracts. In addition we are directly connected with most leading global and regional hotel chains to ensure the best breadth of product.

Our smart search function offers filters not only by the usual star ratings, location and price but we go a step further to offer filters by lifestyle; so luxury, business, romance etc.…in fact up to 20 different lifestyle filters!

Retina is our retail interface; with one click your screen changes to show your logo so you can confidently flip your screen to face your customers.

Our Q Push function helps you to submit quotations with property images and information via email directly from our booking panel.

Stuba reviews are aggregated not only from multiple review websites, but we also trawl social media to get the best overall review. Not only that, we have an agent rating system which then offers you a ‘Preferred by Agents’ rating.

Our customer support is unrivalled. We have an online CRM that offers customer support at the click of the button, you can also reach us 24/7 should the unexpected occur through our offices in the UK, India or Romania. We intend to set industry standards on our query turnaround time!

This sounds great, how do I sign up?

If you have already been working with us, all existing getabed agents will be encouraged to move over to the new platform in due course, which offers the latest next generation features and enhancements that we feel confident will help agents become more successful.

www.stuba.com Contact: Angela Muir Head of Sales UK & Ireland E angelam@getabed.co.uk T +44 (0)7903 035 238 John McKibbin Business Development Manager, Ireland E johnm@getabed.eu T +353 (0)86 989 5394

Of course, you will receive a notification when Stuba.com is ready for you and then you can sample what we think is a fantastic user experience with a quick and simple booking agents. There will be no change to your Account Manager, John McKibbin will still assist you with any queries you may have, large or small and will assist with the transition to ensure that it is as smooth as it can be.

The site has been incredibly well received by agents where we have already rolled it out, so we think that you will like it too!

If you haven’t yet enjoyed the benefits of working with getabed and would like to sign up to Stuba, then that’s easy. Just email start@stuba.com and we’ll take you through the next steps.

One thing that won’t change is that unlike others, we remain 100% trade only, ensuring that you have our total commitment and focus, so we can provide you with the right tools to win more business. Our travel partners will remain at the heart of everything we do; we are still small enough to remain personal and reactive to your demands.

There are so many more benefits to using Stuba than we can list here. As they say, the proof is in the pudding so have a chat with your Account Manager, John McKibbin and make the move! We really are very excited about the change to Stuba, and we hope that you are too.

51

Making There There itineraries as you go you go easy as pie GET ALL THE SUPPORT YOU NEED FROM OUR TEAM Travel plans keep changing, yet deadlines never do. But we are always here to help you create any itinerary your client needs. Even ones that include three different meetings across two different continents. And, when those plans change again, we are still here for you.

Visit our dedicated trade website www.AgentConnect.biz

Airlines Air France / KLM

AgentConnect.biz is the trade website for Air France & KLM Travel Agents. Find a wide range of tools and information all in one place. Plus, benefit from a live chat service for all your queries.

Registration Registration is a simple process and can be done on www.agentconnect.biz.

All you need is: • Your name • email address • IATA number

Find the right information To make finding the right information quick and easy, the AgentConnect navigation is split into sections: My Space: • Find contacts • Book discounted tickets • Agent discount policy Sales & support: • General policies and procedures • Fares & ticketing • Passenger assistance • PNR servicing • Cabin maps • Corporate information News & promotions: • Find daily operational flight reports under the Schedule Changes section • Discover the latest Air France-KLM commercial news

Dedicated travel agency website:

www.AgentConnect.biz Trade support T 0818 762 922

Agent Booking Tool Air France-KLM has developed an Agent Booking Tool (ABT). The ABT is one of three ways travel agents can book tickets via the NDC standard. The ABT differs from the other booking methods in that it is a standalone web application and is only available for IATA agents.

Group Bookings Make and manage Group Bookings via the Tigre Web tool.

Live Chat Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:30 Weekdays Do you have an operational query? Rather than picking up the phone try out our live chat facility.

Register to our newsletter Sign up to the newsletter and receive the latest updates from Air France and KLM directly to your inbox. To register, simply click on the “Sign up here!” link found on the Commercial news section under News and Promotions.

Products & services: • Find out about all destinations that we operate services to • Our on-board products • Travel classes • Loyalty programmes • Business offers

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Airlines Aer Lingus

T H E N O R D I C WAY

FLY THE SHORT NORTHERN ROUTE SHORT ROUTES AND SMOOTH CONNECTIONS ON YOUR WAY BETWEEN EUROPE AND ASIA.

Our Northern heritage has shaped the way we think.

We know the value of personal space, privacy and simplicity. Feel it yourself and book your flights at finnair.com or contact your local travel agent

Airlines Finnair

About Us: Finnair flies between Asia, Europe and North America with an emphasis on fast connections via Helsinki, carrying more than twelve million passengers annually. Finnair’s extensive network connects 19 cities in Asia and 8 cities in North America with over 100 destinations in Europe. www.finnair.ie The airline, a pioneer in sustainable flying, was the first European airline to fly the next-generation, eco-smart Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and it is the first airline listed in the Leadership Index of the worldwide Carbon Disclosure Project. The only Nordic carrier with a 4-star Skytrax ranking, Finnair has also won the World Airline Award for Best Airline Northern Europe for the past nine years running. Finnair is a member of oneworld, the alliance of the world’s leading airlines committed to providing the highest level of service and convenience to frequent international travellers.

What’s new for 2019 • Finnair opens a new year-round route to Hanover for summer 2019 and increases capacity to Dubai for winter 2018-2019 • By the end of summer 2018, about 20 aircraft are expected to be installed with internet connectivity, with the entire narrow-body Airbus fleet expected to be internet connected by summer 2019 • Finnair will begin flying to Los Angeles, California, as of spring 2019. The new route to Los Angeles will be Finnair’s first US route to be regularly operated with the new Airbus A350 aircraft. Los Angeles will be Finnair’s fifth US destination, along with New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Miami • Finnair continues its strong growth in Asia with additional frequencies for summer 2019 • Finnair will add flights between its Helsinki hub and Lisbon, Portugal and Alanya (Gazipasa), Turkey for the winter season 2019-2019

Why book with Finnair • Finnair offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia • Helsinki Airport is one of the most efficient airports in the world with minimum 40mins connection time • Best Airline in Northern European for the 9th year in a row by Skytrax • Eco-smart airline • Oneworld partner

Trade support T + 353 (0) 1 882 8680 E Finnair@atts.ie Reservations T +353 (0)1 695 0015 (local network charge) Open Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat-Sun and public holidays 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Best European Airline at TTG China Travel Awards for the third year in a row. Finnair connects 7 cities in Greater China – Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Nanjing and Hong Kong – to over 100 destinations in Europe via its Helsinki hub • One of the winners in the 2018 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines in the category Travellers Choice Major Airline – Europe • Finnair offers a hand baggage only ticket type on selected North Atlantic routes.

• Finnair extends its network in Norway by deepening cooperation with Widerøe – Northern Europe’s largest regional carrier.

• Finnair starts codeshare cooperation with Cathay Dragon and extends its network in Asia.

Finnair customers can connect with Cathay Dragon’s flights from Hong Kong to Hanoi, Danang, Yangon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap • Finnair has been awarded a 2019 Five Star Global Airline rating by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). Among the many development activities during this year, Finnair has renewed its business class service concept, introduced new signature menu collaborations with top chefs and renewed its meal service for long-haul economy class. Finnair is currently rolling out the best-in-market internet connectivity to its European Airbus fleet, and its mobile application has been downloaded over a million times.

For any additional information, please contact our GSA in Ireland ATTS Travel Representation Solution

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Travel professionals, prepare for takeoff Welcome to United’s business portal Self-Service Travel Management

The complete control you’ve always wanted.

Access customer travel logs, manage transactions, and make all the changes you need, directly from your computer or tablet Customise security levels to your liking with robust user management and permissions.

Access traveller services with a few easy clicks.

Issue United Club Memberships and Passes, assign upgrades including Economy Plus and MileagePlus seating or waive penalty fees.

Traveller Amenity Funds put you in control of your contractual funds.

Register today at: jetstream.united.com

Airlines United

This year United Airlines is marking 20 years of its nonstop service from Dublin and Shannon to New York/Newark.

Since 1998, our service has allowed our customers to take advantage of our extensive route network from our New York/Newark hub that today offers over 75 nonstop connections across the US, Canada and Mexico. In addition United offers its customers from Ireland nonstop flights on a seasonal basis from Dublin to Washington/ Dulles and Chicago.

What’s new at United?

Introducing United® Premium Plus Throughout 2018 and 2019, United will continue to roll out more of United’s Premium Plus seats. The full United® Premium Plus experience will be offered on select international flights, and will give you more space, comfort and amenities. You’ll enjoy upgraded dining on china dinnerware, free alcoholic beverages, a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow, an amenity kit and more.

Latest United Polaris Lounge openings Customers traveling in United Polaris® business and first class will be able to relax and dine before their travels in the new United Polaris lounge at New York/Newark (EWR) situated between Gates C102 and C120. At over 27,000 square feet, the lounge boasts 15 different types of seating for up to 455 travelers, and comes equipped with 570 power outlets, 450 USB ports, 10 private daybeds and 10 luxurious shower suites.

The opening of the United Polaris lounge at EWR closely follows the debut of the United Polaris lounge at San Francisco (SFO) in April. Our latest United Polaris lounge opened this July in Houston (IAH) and will be soon followed by the lounge at Los Angeles (LAX) this autumn.

Boosting hub connectivity to domestic and international destinations In the last four months, United has launched service to 33 destinations in 18 states from its domestic hubs. From each hub, the new flights offer customers hundreds of connection opportunities to destinations throughout the United States and to more than 110 international destinations in more than 50 countries around the world.

Star Alliance flight status available on the United app Customers now have the ability to check flight status for all 28 Star Alliance partners (including codeshare flights) on the United mobile app. Inside the app, is a drop-down menu with all Star Alliance carriers that now appears when you are searching for a flight. While onboard United flights, customers can also check the status of their connecting Star Alliance member flight, utilizing our complimentary access to the United app through United Wi-Fi, available on all mainline and two-cabin regional aircraft.

Meet the United Team Martina Coogan, Country Sales Manager Ireland and Northern Ireland E martina.coogan@united.com Aoife Gregg, Account Manager Leisure E aoife.gregg@united.com Brian Hughes, Account Manager Corporate E brian.hughes@united.com Republic of Ireland Sales Support: 01 6727070 option 4 Reservations & Customer Services: 1890 925252 Northern Ireland Sales Support: 020 8276 6333 Reservations & Customer Services: 0845 6076760 Groups: E groups.uk-ie@united.com United.com

Why book with United Airlines?

• United offers nonstop daily flights from Dublin to New York/Newark and seasonal services from Dublin to Chicago, Washington/Dulles and Shannon to New York/Newark.

• Discover our vast network with onward connections to over 280 destinations across the Americas via our 7 US hubs.

• U.S. pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports.

• Choose from adjustable seats in United Economy® or up to 37 inches of legroom in Economy Plus®.

• Enjoy complimentary beer and wine and a hearty three-course meal featuring appetizers, salads and desserts in Economy.

• Stay connected with Wi-Fi available on all mainline flights • As a Star Alliance member we offer smooth connections across a vast global network and extra benefits to your clients including upgrades, flight rewards and many more.

Doing business with United is now easier than ever with United Jetstream United’s business online portal Jetstream, is designed exclusively for our corporate customers and agency partners. Enjoy easy access to relevant news, operational waivers and customer travel logs, manage transactions and make all the changes you need. For more information visit Jetstream.united.com.

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Why choose Affordable Car Hire?

Car Rental Services Affordable Car Hire

About Us: We are the largest UK independent leisure car rental company working with over 500 car rental partners that offer you the flexibility and choice through a network of 192 countries in over 30,000 worldwide locations. At Affordable Car Hire we promise to offer good value for money and excellent customer care service with the added advantage of having many special offers.

Affordable Car Hire supporting the trade: Our focus and loyalty lies with the travel agent and our Affiliate Partners. Our concept is simple; ‘quality product and quality service at an affordable Price’. As well as providing high commission levels, we aim to ensure that our prices remain competitive within the marketplace and as a result have introduced a price watch facility. Our national sales team regularly visit our clients throughout the UK as we realise the value of maintaining strong relationships.

What’s New For 2019: • • • • • • • • • • •

New update website showing more useful tips Free cancellation and amendments (T&C’s apply) Over 30,000 locations Dedicated Irish telephone number New Car Hire Clinic training programme for agents Most competitive US rates More suppliers offering Value added extras to include free additional drivers 24/7 out of hours service for your customers Motorhomes Motorbike hire Pre registration with certain suppliers

Destinations Served: 30,000 locations in over 192 countries.

Target Audience: All markets suited.

Pricing Policy: We provide a fast and efficient search of all worldwide and local suppliers to offer the best possible price and value for money for your clients. Our comprehensive results page is sure to help you book the best option available.

Sales / Marketing:

www.affordablecarhire.com Contact Details Reservations: T (076) 680 1164 E reservations@affordablecarhire.com E agencysales@affordablecarhire.com

Agent Concessions: Affordable Car Hire will offer concessions on a case by case basis dependent on travel dates, car types and requirements. Please contact vip@affordablecarhire.com for a price.

Training / Fams: We offer a comprehensive online training academy on our agent’s website to include training modules that include the introduction of car hire into your sales process and overcoming customer objections. We also now have downloadable reference guides that include FAQ’s on Supermax and Maxi Top Up Insurance Policies and fleet guides.

Cancellation Policy: Free Cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pickup. * Excludes some suppliers, check at the time of booking. Cancellations must be made in writing to Affordable Car Hire UK on reservations@affordablecarhire.com

Credit Terms: Unless otherwise stated, Affordable Car Hire will issue a statement six weeks prior to departure and all outstanding balances must be paid in full and cleared, at least four weeks prior to departure.

We can offer in store merchandise including window posters and Brochures please contact us to place and order or discuss bespoke options further.

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Car Rental Services Flexible Autos

What can Flexible Autos offer?

Low cost, high value, fully inclusive worldwide car rental across global source markets. Access to a wide range of suppliers including brand leaders such as Enterprise, Alamo and Sixt, through to smaller localised companies offering a product to cover all clients needs and requirements Efficient offline experience through a UK based call centre. Dedicated and experienced trade account managers. Comprehensive and regular training for trade staff. www.flexibleautos.com

What’s new for 2019?

• Additional suppliers • Premium product available in more locations

Unique Selling Points • Estimated package cost – ensuring total transparency with all of our pricing • Email quote/comparison facility – email quotes directly to clients • Trade only – we only work with the trade • Competitive prices • Supplier transparency – choose which supplier you want to book • Fuel icons – displays suppliers fuel policy • On/Off airport icons – displays if supplier has a desk in terminal or a courtesy bus • Quality reputable suppliers – Alamo, National, Enterprise, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz • Premium product – Zero or reduced excess

USA & Canada • Exclusive partnership with Alamo, Enterprise & National • One way rentals bookable online • Choice product – clients can choose their car from the group they have booked • Gold product – includes fuel and additional drivers • Young driver product – bookable for drivers between the ages 21-24 yrs.

• 24 hour customer satisfaction guarantee • Exclusive on-site locations at Disney • New and low mileage fleet

Destination Served Flexible Autos offer a worldwide product in over 100 countries.

Target Audience All markets suited

Pricing Policy We provide low cost, high value, fully inclusive car rental across the globe.

Sales/Marketing

ATTS Travel Representation Solutions 93b Lagan Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Sales: T 01 882 8680 E sales@atts.ie Reservations: T 021 601 9067 E reservations@flexibleautos.com

Staff Incentives In addition to our commercial terms with Travel Centres we also offer various incentives/promotions on a tactical basis from time to time.

Training/Fams Look out for our webinar training sessions plus you will also see us at the Travel Centre conference. If you require in house training then please contact your sales manager.

Cancellation Policy Free cancellations on all bookings up until 24 hrs before collection date unless otherwise stipulated in the supplier’s terms and conditions.

Credit Terms Full payment is required 14 days prior to the collection date. For further information please contact our accounts department.

General Information Why Choose Us: • Trade only • Dedicated account manager • Emergency helpline • Quality suppliers • Free cancellation & amendments • Excess Refund Product • Open 6 days a week

We are happy to provide marketing support to all Travel Centres members on an ad-hoc basis. Please contact us directly for further information.

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Car Rental Services Hertz

Hertz operates the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty car rental brands in more than 11,000 locations throughout 140 countries in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand.

Travel Agent Rates We are delighted to have the opportunity to offer unique rates to Travel Centres. These rates provide the customer with great benefits when booking through the travel agent while rewarding the agencies with fantastic commission levels. Our rates offer some appealing inclusions such as an excess waiver, GPS systems, car seats, additional drivers & insurances while covering a wide range of destinations including Europe, North America & Australia.

The hertz-gsa.ie website will help you up sell car hire with rates the consumer can only get with the travel agent.

www.hertz-gsa.ie Travel Trade Team Emma McHale Leisure Sales Executive T 053 91 52505 M 087 968 3953 E emchale@hertz.ie

Sinéad Murphy Senior Sales Administrator T 053 915 2576 E smurphy@hertz.ie

Customer Service www.hertz-gsa.ie T 053 915 2500 T 053 915 2505 E customerservices@hertz.ie E traveltrade@hertz.ie

We are the largest worldwide airport general use car rental company with more than 1,700 airport locations in the U.S. and more than 1,300 airport locations internationally.

Product and service initiatives such as NeverLost®, Carfirmation, Ultimate Choice, Mobile Wi-Fi and unique vehicles offered through the Adrenaline, Family, Fun and Prestige Collections set Hertz apart from the competition.

Primary Supplier

Unique Selling Points

With over 100 years in the car hire industry, Hertz has the experience and dependability that your customers look for when travelling overseas. As Hertz is a primary supplier, you can book with confidence and should any questions arise you know that a quick and easy solution is only a matter of a phone call away. We are proud to be preferred suppliers to Travel Centres and we aim to work together with members to ensure that your clients, both corporate and leisure, enjoy the best car hire experience.

• • • • • • •

Local Support, Global Service Our Travel Trade team are based in Wexford, as is our Customer Services Team who together will work hard to provide you with precise and efficient answers and solutions to your queries. If you require training on how to use hertz-gsa.ie or if you need a Travel Agent login please contact a member of our team who will have you set up in a matter minutes. Throughout Ireland, Hertz employs over 1,200 people through the Hertz Ireland rental network and the Hertz European Services Centre located in Swords, Co. Dublin providing you with local support for a global service.

On Airport locations for your customers convenience Most up to date fleet, with the best cars Instant reservation confirmation Zero excess rates such as Hertz Business Plus No upward age limited Transparent pricing with no hidden extras Local support

Cancellation Policy Bookings made on the hertz-gsa.ie booking tool will avail of free cancellations and amendments up to 24 hours before the car is due to be picked up.

Credit Terms All reservations made through the hertz-gsa.ie booking tool are reserved on a book now pay later basis. The agency will be invoiced less commission when the car has returned.

Staff Incentives We will run various Staff Incentives throughout the year.

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CELEBRITY EDGE THE STORY SO FAR...

Celebrity Edge® is set to change cruise holidays forever when it launches later this year.

Here’s a reminder of all the transformational features on our revolutionary new ship.

EDGE STATEROOMS WITH INFINITE BALCONIESSM These incredible rooms take our standard Balcony Stateroom and, with the touch of a button, blur—even erase—the boundaries between inside and outside living space.

Your customers’ entire living space becomes the balcony, letting guests walk right out to the water’s edge.

THE MAGIC CARPET The world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that travels up the side of the ship and reaches heights of 13 storeys above sea level. With some of the best views on board, it is a spectacular space that opens to several decks and transforms into a new venue depending on which deck it’s positioned.

AMAZING ENTERTAINMENT For the first time in our history, we designed every public space on Celebrity Edge with entertainment in mind. We’ve added more entertainment venues than ever before—with some of the most unique spaces guests will find anywhere in the world, including The Theatre, The Club, Resort Deck, Rooftop Garden, and Eden.

THE RETREAT SUNDECK The first of its kind, The Retreat Sundeck is an exclusive place for Suite Class guests including their own private pool, private restaurant and VIP lounge. As an extension of the Suite design, Kelly Hoppen MBE was at the forefront of creating the space which rivals that of any high-end resort.

CELEBRITY EDGE SETS SAIL FROM EUROPE IN 2019 VISIT CRUISINGPOWER.IE FOR MORE DETAILS

THE SPA The Spa elevates ‘me-time’ to a fine art. Designed by Kelly Hoppen, MBE, it boasts innovative technology, a line-up of exclusive industry firsts, the SEA Thermal Suite (complimentary for AquaClass® guests) and a range of ELEMIS® treatments.

EXQUISITE CUISINE With a total of 29 distinctive venues, including not one but four complimentary main restaurants, cafés, bars and lounges at their disposal, your customers might just discover a new favourite dish or cocktail each night of their holiday.

Cruising Celebrity Cruises

SAY HELLO TO THE NEW CENTRE OF ATTENTION. No more second-guessing or website-hopping. Absolutely everything you need to know about Celebrity Cruises® is now in one place. With six intuitive, easy-to-use sections – plus our superfast mega search function – Celebrity Central makes your life easier.

CELEBRITYCENTRAL.CO.UK CELEBRITY BOOKINGS Booking is made even more simple with our single sign in feature. All you have to do is log into Celebrity Central, and that’s you logged into Airwaves too. Next? Our incredible booking system is only one click away. In fact, it’s just as easy to get to as Airwaves is to use.

CELEBRITY REWARDS If you’re looking for a snapshot of your Rewards, look no further – you’ll get a preview in this section of Celebrity Central. Not only that, it also shows you exactly how much real-life money Rewards points add up to. Plus, from here, you’re just one click away from the full Celebrity Rewards site.

CELEBRITY PASSPORT Learn everything you need to know about Celebrity Cruises and collect stamps you can show off along the way. So, when you want to test your knowledge on destination experiences, accommodation classes, or Celebrity Edge® entertainment, you’ll find it all (and more) here.

CELEBRITY CAMPAIGNS It’s never been quicker to find information about our latest campaigns. Here, you’ll be able to download our Selling Guide, locate assets, find all the information you need and so much more. But it’s not all about new campaigns. You’ll find past campaigns easily too, in the archive.

Call Centre T 1800 932 611 Trade Support: T +44 (0) 1932 834 379 (Option 2) Account Manager Valerie Murphy Strategic Account Manager – Ireland M +353 (0)87 340 1299 E valeriemurphy@celebritycruises.com Celebrity Cruises Building Three, The Heights, Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0NY

CELEBRITY TOOLKIT Creating marketing materials? In our Celebrity Central Toolkit section, you’ll find everything you’ll need: images, logos, videos – you name it!

And finding them is super simple. Because they’re split by collection, and we’ve added a search filter option, downloading’s a breeze too.

CELEBRITY NEWS From unveiling renovations, to announcing new sailings, luxurious updates your customers can’t miss, to news that’ll delight and excite – it’s easy to stay up to date on all things Celebrity Cruises. And our handy archive section makes looking for older news articles just as easy, too.

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© Lomen Bros/Nasjonalbiblioteket

© De Roos

© Shutterstock

© Roy Mangersnes

© Shutterstock

WORLD LEADER IN EXPLORATION TRAVEL

NORWAY Antarctica Greenland Iceland Svalbard Northwest Passage North America & Canada Caribbean & Central America South America Europe

Cruising Hurtigruten

About Us: With 125 years’ experience in maritime exploration, Hurtigruten are the market leader in exploration travel and offer unique nature-based adventures to the far ends of the planet. www.hurtigruten.co.uk From the magnificent Norwegian fjords to the ice-filled bays of Contact Details Reservations: Antarctica, Hurtigruten takes Bedford House T 01 607 4420 passengers beyond the realms of 69-79 Fulham High Street conventional cruises by offering London Groups voyages that immerse travellers SW6 3JW T 00 44 (0)208 846 2633 in a vast range of nature, cultures

E UK.Agency.Sales@hurtigruten.com and wildlife. Hurtigruten are your UK & Ireland Agency Sales expert hosts along the coast in T +44 (0)208 846 2647 Agents Site: Norway, operating a daily service E UK.Agency.Sales@hurtigruten.com www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents calling at 34 ports along ‘the world’s most beautiful voyage’. Whether travelling under the magnetic Target Audience: Northern Lights in winter or summer’s glorious Midnight Sun, Singles, couples and groups of all ages. Adventurers, explorers, Hurtigruten is as much a part of Norway’s coastal culture as outdoor enthusiasts and observers. Anyone can travel with the breath-taking fjords themselves. Hurtigruten is also the Hurtigruten and they can be as active or as passive as they like – largest voyage operator in the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as there is something for everyone! taking passengers to warmer waters, like South America and the Caribbean.

Pricing Policy:

What’s New: • MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid expedition ship, will embark on her inaugural season in Antarctica in 2019 and will be joined by her sister ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, in 2020.

• In July 2018 Hurtigruten banned all single-use plastics from their ships and land operations, making them the first cruise line to ever do so • Exciting itineraries including Alaska, Russia and Franz Josef Land

USPs: • The smaller size of our ships allows us to sail to areas larger cruise lines cannot reach, bringing our guests closer to the landscapes, wildlife and communities that we explore • On our voyages along the Norwegian coast all food served on board is seasonal, fresh and locally sourced from the surrounding sea and scenery • Hundreds of exciting optional excursions add special experiences to each voyage, such as our awardwinning husky dog sledging and hiking programme • Northern Lights Promise: travel on a Classic Round Voyage October – March and receive a free 5 or 6-day voyage if the Northern Lights do not occur

Destinations: • • • • • • •

Norway Antarctica Svalbard Russia Greenland Arctic Traverse Northwest Passage

• • • • • •

Alaska Canada North America Caribbean South America Europe

From prices quoted are per person, based on full occupancy of an inside two-berth cabin, unless otherwise specified. Hurtigruten operates a flexible pricing system and prices are capacity controlled, correct at the time of booking. Any quote will be valid for the duration of a call. Pricing will be available in Euros.

Sales and Marketing: 50/50 advertising opportunities are available. All activity must be agreed and confirmed in advance. Local consumer presentations and webinars are available. Images and videos for use in marketing can be downloaded here: https://staging. imageshop.no/en/Hurtigruten.

Staff Incentives: There are often ad hoc incentives run throughout the year.

Agent Concessions: We can offer agent rates on our Coastal and Explorer products, please contact Agency Sales for more information.

Training/Fam Trips Our online training course can be view here: www.hurtigrutentraining.co.uk and in store training can be arranged. Training Webinars take place regularly on a variety of topics. Sign up to our newsletter to be notified of these. Familiarisation trips are on an invitation basis when available.

Cancellation Policy: This will be as per our published booking conditions.

Credit/Payment Terms: As per the 2018 commercial agreement.

Brochure Distribution: Brochures are only produced in GBP and can be ordered via TradeGate.co.uk. PDF versions are available in both GBP and Euros.

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ALL INCLUSIVE. ALL ABOARD.

Marella Cruises are available with ights from Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Shannon. *All ships will be All Inclusive from summer 2019. Marella Cruises is a trading name of TUI Ireland Limited, a member of the TUI AG group of companies.

TUI is a trading name of TUI Ireland Limited and is fully licensed and bonded by CAR T.O.021.

Cruising Marella Cruises

The shining sea is where we call home – a magnificent place to come back to again and again. At Marella Cruises, we’ll take you across it, on unforgettable voyages to amazing destinations over every horizon.

With Marella Cruises, you can sail to dozens of destinations in comfort, exploring ancient cities, setting foot on tropical islands and marvelling at breathtaking fjords. Although our name has changed, the exceptional, friendly service you know and love will stay the same as always. You’ll really notice the way our crew makes you feel at home, helping you relax knowing everything’s taken care of.

What does tomorrow have in store at Marella Cruises?

More ships, new journeys and more inspiring places to experience. So when you cruise with us, we’ll bring you the best destinations, a world of choice and more amazing memories to share.

What’s Included?

• • • • • • • • •

Return flights All tips and service charges Onboard accommodation 27kg luggage allowance including hand luggage Full Board meals (All Inclusive from Summer 2019) Entertainment Coach transfers & port taxes Exciting news for 2019 We’re excited to announce that all of our ships will be All Inclusive from summer 2019.

Why book a Marella Cruise?

We’re part of TUI – the world’s biggest travel group. This means we can sort every step of your cruise, including flights, transfers, excursions and hotels. Plus, we offer flights from Dublin, Belfast, Cork & Shannon, so customers can jet off from their nearest airport.

Our crew give the warmest of welcomes, always going the extra mile to make customers feel at home. It’s probably why our customers rave about the great atmosphere onboard. You’ll never just be a face in the crowd, especially on our smaller, more intimate ships.

Almost all our cruises set sail at night, meaning fewer days are spent at sea, giving customers more time ashore. Unlike most cruise lines, we include tips and service charges in our prices. So our customers don’t have to worry about lugging around extra cash.

Contact Details Trade Relations Manager Leila McCabe T +353 1 486 2667 E Leila.mccabe@tui.co.uk Trade Bookings T +1850 812 109

We offer a big selection of Cruise & Stay holidays, which let customers pair some time onboard with a spell at a hotel – whichever way round they desire. Choose from dozens of properties in home-port destinations, ranging from luxurious TUI SENSATORI resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Some destinations allow for a three, four or sevennight stay.

For Summer 2019, three ships from the Marella Cruises fleet are available with TUI flights from Ireland.

• Marella Discovery – Sails from Corfu with flights from Dublin and Belfast (Fri) • Marella Discovery 2 – Sails from Palma with flights from Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Shannon (Sat) • Marella Dream – Sails from Palma with flights from Dublin, Belfast and Cork (Tues) • Marella Explorer will be based in Newcastle and sail on alternate days depending on itinerary.

• Marella Explorer 2 (ADULTS ONLY) will be based in Naples and sail on Wednesdays.

• Marella Celebration will be based in Dubrovnik and sail on Thursdays.

Agent bookings Marella Cruises are not available to book via a customer website in Ireland. Agents can book a Marella Cruise via Hybris.

Brochure distribution Brochure distribution is via RTS. To order please contact: rtsbrochure@rtsbrochure.ie

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T H E R E-I NSPI R AT ION OF C L A S SIC

elegance

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The Finest Cuisine at Sea™

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A variety of distinctive open-seating restaurants, all at no additional charge

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Gourmet cuisine curated by world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin

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Epicurean enrichment programmes, including immersive Culinary Discovery Tours™ in the world’s most fascinating destinations

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Award-winning itineraries featuring more than 450 alluring destinations

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Spectacular port-intensive voyages featuring overnight visits and extended evening port stays

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Intimate, luxurious ships catering to just 684 or 1,250 guests

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Exceptional personalised service

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Elegant casual ambiance, no jacket

BY THE NUMBERS 66 Days

US$100 Million Dollars 1,368 New Suites and Staterooms

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R E-INSPIR ATION

Acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub®

1400 New Marble Bathrooms 8,000 New Light Fixtures 12,000 New Sofas and Chairs 1,000+ Artisans and Craftsmen 4 BETTER-THAN-NEW SHIPS

FIND OUT MORE. CALL + 44 345 505 1920 | BOOK ONLINE AT OCE ANIACRUISES.COM /AGENT OR ORDER BROCHURES FROM AGENC YSALES @ OCE ANIACRUISES.COM A F R IC A | A L A S K A | A S I A | AU S T R A L I A | B A LT IC | C A N A DA | C A R I BBE A N | M E DI T E R R A N E A N | M E X IC O | N E W E NG L A N D N E W Z E A L A N D | NORT H E R N E U ROPE | PA N A M A C A N A L | S C A N DI N AV I A | S OU T H A M E R IC A | S OU T H PAC I F IC

Cruising Oceania Cruises

Operating six ships, Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary and destination cruise line, providing a home away from home to 684 - 1250 guests. Cuisine, comfort, service and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ Five-Star product. Itineraries are enhanced by extensive excursion choices and expert on-board lecturers. Staterooms are sumptuous and almost all accommodations have a private veranda with butler service in all suites.

Contact Details

Imagine a country hotel, nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, the South China Sea, the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean. Oceania Cruises combines the sophisticated elegance of a private hotel with the flexibility and adventure of sea travel. Explore fascinating destinations and make unforgettable memories on one of our specially selected Oceania Cruises voyages. Providing the highest quality, Oceania Cruises offers The Finest Cuisine At Sea™, meticulous attention to detail with a warm, inviting elegant casual ambience. Numerous gourmet restaurants are available at no extra charge; catering for discerning palates and offering an array of choices from Continental cuisine to authentic Italian to classic steakhouse fare. You will taste for yourself why Oceania Cruises is the cruise line for foodies.

Your World. Your Way Spectacular port-intensive voyages featuring over 400 alluring destinations, with many overnight visits and extended stays, allow guests to take their time exploring at their own leisure, or as part of an escorted tour with Oceania.

The Foodies Cruise Line Boldly claiming to serve “The Finest Cuisine at Sea” may seem like an overstatement, but we wouldn’t make such an assertion if it wasn’t for the great contribution of the legendary Master Chef Jacques Pépin. As our Executive Culinary Director, he inspires our chefs to perform feats of gastronomic wizardry. Memorable dining begins with openseating, as it allows you to dine when you are ready and with whomever you choose.

Enjoy Toscana’s authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Continental cuisine in the Grand Dining Room, and made-to-order American favourites in the Terrace Café. You can also indulge morning, afternoon and evening in delicate pastries and freshly made sandwiches along with illy® speciality coffees at Baristas. Onboard Sirena, enjoy our latest speciality dining restaurant; Tuscan Steak, inspired by the gourmet cuisine of Toscana and Polo Grill, and Jacques Bistro, which serves seasonal French dishes during lunch in the Grand Dining Room.

Alex Farquharson T +44 1746 762120 E afarquharson@oceaniacruises.com Agency Sales T +44 345 505 1920 E agencysales@oceaniacruises.com Marina and Riviera both offer two additional complimentary dining venues: Jacques, the eminent Jacques Pépin’s exquisite French bistro, and the contemporary Asian culinary masterpiece called Red Ginger. To explore epicurean delights in a more private setting, try Marina and Riviera’s La Reserve by Wine Spectator, where a maximum of 24 bons vivants may indulge in private vintage wine and gourmet fare pairings. For the ultimate in exclusivity onboard Marina and Riviera, Privée may be reserved for the evening for parties of up to 10 guests, who can select from the full menu of Polo Grill and Toscana or mix and match selections from both.

We’re delighted to announce the debut of the most expansive vegan menu offerings and the only cold-pressed raw juice and vegan smoothie bars at sea. The juice and smoothie bars are currently available onboard Marina and Riviera and the vegan menus are available fleet wide.

These dishes are in addition to our already comprehensive selection of vegetarian, gluten-free and kosher meals.

Ship to Shore In addition to the extensive restaurant choices, Marina and Riviera feature the first cookery school at sea; our state-of-the-art Culinary Center, which offers hands-on cooking classes and Culinary Discovery Tours™ in select destinations.

Our unique Culinary Discovery Tours™ offer the opportunity to experience first-hand the culinary culture of worldwide destinations. In local markets you will find the colourful produce, fresh fish and exotic spices used in traditional recipes that inspire people to gather around the table.

Accompanied by a master chef, tour a winery in Madeira or a fish market in Rio de Janeiro, taste the authentic flavours of a region, learn techniques in local cooking classes and then hone your skills at The Culinary Center.

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Cruising Ponant

Celebrating its 30 year anniversary in 2018, the only French cruise line and world leader in Luxury Expeditions, PONANT, perpetuates the lifestyle “à la française” within a bilingual environment. In addition to new smaller vessels which feature the worlds’ first underwater Lounge, we are proud of our new partnership with National Geographic Expeditions as it validates the quality of our work and our vision of travel — the combination of intimacy and curiosity, luxury and authenticity.

PONANT in 3 words: • PONANT atmosphere: elegant, chic and relaxed • PONANT travel spirit: boutique, expedition and experiences/emotions

About our National Geographic Expedition partnership “Here we have two highly respected global companies working together to inspire our guests to live curiously, explore our planet and become global ambassadors for sustainability. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC brings a network of experts, photographers and Society-sponsored researchers, while PONANT brings the largest fleet of new, technically advanced small expedition ships able to sail all regions of the world.” — Jean Emmanuel Sauvée (CEO and Co-founder of PONANT) & Gary E. Knell (CEO of National Geographic Partners) Tip: don’t forget to order our cobranded brochure!

New vessels and world first The Explorers – 6 new smaller vessels being launched between now and 2020. Le Lapérouse is the first one, soon to be followed later in 2018 by Le Champlain. Two other vessels in 2019 (Le Bougainville & Le Dumont D’Urville) and finally two other in 2020 (Le Bellot & Le Surville). All of them will be equipped with the worlds’ first multi-sensorial underwater Lounge called Blue Eye – ask us for the video if you want to promote this unique feature).

The world’s first electric hybrid cruise Icebreaker – Le Charcot.

Joining our fleet in 2021, we will bring Expedition to another level.

How about going to the Geographic North Pole or completing an Arctic Ocean crossing? Already pre-bookable with ideas of itineraries and price – ask us!

“Join the Club” – special 30 years anniversary offer The Trade is essential for us, that’s why we have created only for you PONANT “Join the Club” offers. Both offers (one for newcomers and one for one-timers) valid for any reservation until the end of 2018: • BWELCOME: the usual €200 credit on board becomes €500 per person DISCOUNT for 1st time cruisers with Ponant • PYCJTC30: additional 10% off the going rate for One timers considering a 2nd cruise (use those codes when you do any reservation/enquiry)

Contact Details Trade Reservations: T +44 (0)808 23 43 802 Stephen Winter, International Sales Director T +33 (0)1 44 90 83 06 Nabil Maillard, Sales Developer UK & Ireland T +44 (0)7 596 800 519 / +44 (0)2 070 926 663 e nmaillard@ponant.com Facebook: Connect yourself on our new Facebook page for Trade Only: PONANT Experts UK & Ireland

Booking/enquiry process • Email: reservation@ponant.com • Tel.: +44 (0)808.23.43.802 • Online PONANT account: check availabilities, make bookings and add all information we might need online by creating an online account using your Agency Code (please contact us if you do not know your Agency Code – nmaillard@ponant. com).

Afterwards, follow the step-by-step guide to walk you through the new account creation process: a) PRIMARY CONTACT must create an account FIRST b) Click here to Create a New Account: http://pro-en.ponant.com/customer/account/ login/redirect-pro/1 c) Enter your Agency Code: XXXX then Search for Your Agency d) Fill up all information asked

Brochure Stocks Can be ordered through Nabil Maillard (see contact details above)

Let us know what we can do together It can be marketing activities or afternoon tea. Our goal is to help you understand us because I am sure that you do have some clients that are interested in boutique style cruising or passionate about photography or who simply desire unique destinations with authentic experiences.

We also have a lot of cruises without any single supplement and an attractive group policy. Ask Nabil if you require any more details.

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THIS IS YOUR P E R F E C T D AY

SM

Cruising Royal Caribbean

Get your customers ready to leave the ordinary behind and step into the extraordinary. We don’t just show them the sights, we’ll let them experience them like never before. We take them to parts of the world that no one else can on a range of 25 world-class ships that are destinations themselves.

A world of adventure Whether they’re seeking an adventure or their in need of pure relaxation, we’ve got everything they could ever want onboard our incredible ships. Couple, families, young and old – there’s something for everyone onboard our ships, from unimaginable activities like soaring down a zip line 9 decks high, to total indulgence in our spas and fine dining restaurants, the fun doesn’t end on our ships. We’ll take them to the most incredible destinations, letting them experience the world like never before.

Useful Contacts Trade Reservations: T 1800 932 603 Jennifer Callister, Head of Ireland T +353 (0)86 822 7010 Holly Wilkinson, Account Executive, Ireland T +44 (0)1932 834 379

What’s new?

 royalcaribbean.irelandagents

THIS IS YOUR PERFECT DAYSM Be one of the brave first to conquer the tallest waterslide in North America and snap a shot from 400 feet up in a helium balloon. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas.

Or get a taste of Bora Bora with your own overwater cabana.

This is perfection created for you. This is Perfect Day at CocoCay — only on Royal Caribbean®.

Order your brochures at tradegate.co.uk

SPECTRUM OF THE SEASSM COMING FOR 2019 Discover a Far East adventure full of jaw-dropping thrills on Spectrum of the SeasSM, the newest addition to the awardwinning Quantum Class. From out of this world adventures in the Sky PadSM, to skydiving on deck courtesy of Ripcord® by iFly®, custom cocktails crafted by robots at the Bionic Bar, to revolutionary Golden Suite accommodation. Not to mention your own private 3D cinema in the brand new Ultimate Family Suite.

Club Rewards Club Rewards is the best loyalty programme ever. Sign up now and get real cash (at least £5!) for every Royal Caribbean booking you make. You’ll also be in the running for moneycan’t buy prizes and events, exclusive discounts (including 20% off at Jamie’s Italian), and £100 holiday spending money. When you love Royal, we love you right back!

HOW TO BECOME A CLUB REWARDS MEMBER 1. Complete the 3 essential modules of Club Learning at MyClubRoyal.ie 2. You will then receive your Club Rewards badge 3. Accept the Club Rewards terms and conditions and you’re in!

REVOLUTIONARY BOOKING SYSTEM AirWaves is here to make booking easier than ever. You can now personalise your customer’s holiday; booking flights, hotels cruises and transfers all in one place and better still it’s all ATOL protected and ABTA bonded.

Visit MyClubRoyal.ie or call 1800 932 603

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&

STYLE SUBSTANCE

SILVERSEA DISTINCTIONS

WORKING WITH SILVERSEA

• Sail to more destinations than any other cruise line – over 900 destinations spanning all seven continents

• Dedicated trade support team • UK-based reservation team

• Nine intimate ships for just 100 - 608 guests

• Excellent commission rates

• Spacious, ocean-view suites

• Hold options for one week

• Butler service on all ships for all suites

• Online and in-agency training: silverseaacademy.com

• Low single supplements starting at 10%

• Bulk brochure supply through trade-gate.co.uk

• Silversea’s all-inclusive lifestyle:

• Marketing collateral and support including adverts, direct mail, window posters, banners etc

•

Beverages including wines, beers and spirits

•

Fine dining – no assigned times, no assigned tables – and room service

•

Unlimited free WiFi for all guests

•

Onboard gratuities

• Groups Programme - higher earning potential • Silversea Advocates - our agent recognition and reward programme • Bookings that your guests make on board are transferred back to you and your guest receives the 5% onboard saving • Online booking tool – 24/7 access to live availability and bookings • Host regular ship visits and fam trips

Cruising Silversea

Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise line renowned for extraordinary worldwide voyages aboard intimate ships. Sailing to over 900 destinations spanning all seven continents, Silversea offers more destinations than any other cruise line. Butler service; fine dining; beverages including wines, beers and spirits; and onboard gratuities are always included.

For the curious traveller, Silversea Expeditions offer unique, awe-inspiring journeys to some of the world’s most exotic destinations, including Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands, aboard our fleet of expedition vessels.

What’s New? • Silversea celebrated 10 years of luxury expedition cruising in June 2018.

• Silversea’s Silver Whisper will be the first cruise ship to visit all seven continents on its pioneering 140day, 62-port, 32-country World Cruise 2020.

• Silversea’s Silver Spirit underwent an extensive lengthening and refurbishment project in early 2018 to make her 49 feet longer.

• Silversea Expeditions is introducing its first crossing of the fabled Northeast Passage in 2019.

• Two brand new ships will be joining the fleet – Silver Moon in 2020 and Silver Dawn in 2021.

www.silversea.com Contact Details  @SilverseaCruises  @Silversea Reservations (01) 611 0560

Regional Sales Manager Amanda Middler T +44 (0)7961 997 561 E AmandaM@silversea.com Inside Sales Support Cathy Bradley T +44 (0)20 7340 0770 E CatherineB@silversea.com

Customer Profile

Marketing Central This state-of-the-art tool gives you the ability to customise Silversea’s brand-approved marketing materials with your own contact information and logos. You can then either download these materials to print or email, or use the platform to order printed supplies, which can be sent straight to you. Alternatively, you can anonymously use the inbuilt email tool to send emails to your databases, with reporting given afterwards. my.silversea.com

• Most represented age group: 55-75 years old (average age: 65) • Both singles & married couples • Business owners and professionals, still professionally active or retired • Living in highly desirable areas with a high disposable income • Affluent, well educated • Well-travelled • Interested in gourmet foods and fine wines, Opera, Theatre and Art.

Silversea Agent Rewards This is a new specially designed Travel Agent loyalty programme that rewards and thanks you for your Silversea bookings. With Silversea Agent Rewards, you can claim points when you book an eligible cruise and redeem these points for either Amazon or Love2Shop voucher codes. Each point equates to £1 (or EUR equivalent) of gift voucher and so the reward potential is huge. You will also be able to access the website via a specially designed app, therefore making it easy to claim and redeem. silverseaagentrewards.com

Travel Agent Resources Silversea Academy Silversea Academy is an interactive training academy that gives you all of the information you need to sell Silversea.

Complete with training modules, news and exclusive resources, it has been developed with you, our loyal travel agents, in mind. The training academy has multiple badges to choose from, designed to help build knowledge and skills, and you can select which badges to complete based on your individual needs and interests. More badges will be released as Silversea’s products grow and evolve. Become a Silversea expert at www.silverseaacademy.com

Webinar Wednesdays A new training source run by our Trainer, Luke Clarke, Webinar Wednesdays will be held on the first Wednesday of each month and will inform you on each area of the product, from destinations and life on board, to how best to sell and what’s selling well.

Brochure distribution Automatic file copies of brochures will be sent on launches.

At all other times, please order brochures through www.trade-gate.co.uk or email salesuk@silversea.com.

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WHAT IS U BY UNIWORLD?

SHIPS: THE A & THE B

MEALS & DRINKS

8-DAY CRUISES:

BECOME A U BY UNIWORLD CRUISE EXPERT

|

Visit UniworldUniversity.com to get started.

Cruising U by Uniworld

About Us: U by Uniworld is the sister brand of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and the first river cruise line of its kind dedicated to travel enthusiasts of all ages.

U is luxury river cruising with a modern makeover offering itineraries on the Seine, Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers on the A and the B – two sleek matte black ships with a maximum capacity of 120 passengers.

Unique Selling Point U delivers the same authenticity and personalisation that Uniworld is celebrated for, while offering a new way for travellers to go from city to city or even country to country. Experiential itineraries focus on longer stays in destinations to connect explorers to local experiences and vibrant nightlife scenes. The A and The B ships feature a contemporary look and feel in all public spaces and guest areas. Communal dining tables will complement a local street food-inspired culinary program, with creative mixologists and international DJs onboard.

Target Audience U’s target audience is adult travellers 30+, such as groups of friends, couples and honeymooners.

Our primary cruise demographic is adventurous holidaymakers that are young and young at heart, drawn to exhilarating experiences and seeking a relaxing and effortless way to travel across Europe.

ubyuniworld.com Contact Details The Travel Corporation, Travel House, 27 Merrion Square, Dublin 2

Sales & Marketing office Business Development Brian Hynes T 086 029 4168 E brian.hynes@ttc.com

Reservations Call us free phone T 1800 98 98 98 and select option 2 E reservations@uniworld.ie

Sales & Events Carol Hurley T 01 775 3803 E carol.hurley@ttc.com

Country Manager Sharon Jordan M 086 782 3911 E sharon.jordan@ttc.com

Marketing & PR Marissa Beck T 01 775 3805 E marissa.beck@ttc.com

Our all-Inclusive concept includes In the traditional sense, U cruises are not all-inclusive.

However, there are many great things included like: • Two meals onboard per day and select nonalcoholic drinks such as complimentary water, coffee and tea all day long, as well as complimentary juice during breakfast.

• Select shore excursions – We offer one included shore excursion per day, specially tailored for U guests.

• Gratuities – All gratuities for onboard and shore excursions are included.

• Onboard entertainment and select activities – Including activities like our Local DJ Night and Welcome Party Guests can purchase an onboard drinks package for €299 pp.

Sales and marketing TTC provides strong commercial terms and override commission possibilities. We are also delighted to work with any travel agency on an individual basis for any inhouse marketing strategy. We offer a full and dedicated support team based in Dublin and on the road.

Agent Concessions We offer ongoing promotions and incentives for all agents.

Any personal holiday requests should be emailed to Sharon Jordan at sharon.jordan@ttc.com and discounts will be offered on an individual basis. We strongly encourage agents to experience our holidays first-hand.

Training & Familiarisation trips Travel centres’ agents will be offered places on all fam trips and training sessions.

Payment terms All bookings require a 10% deposit at time of booking to hold the reservation. All cruises must be paid in full 120 days before the sail date. If the cruise is booked after the 120-day mark, then it must be paid in full at time of booking.

Brochure distribution Brochure distribution is via RTS. To order any of our brochures, please email carol.hurley@ttc.com

General Information TTC agrees to partner with The Travel Centres in respect of its annual conference and supplier workshop. The company also agrees to maintain a dedicated phone line 1800 98 98 98 for reservations and 01 775 3803 for internal sales and support. Members are reminded that our negotiated commercial terms are strictly private and confidential and their contents may not be revealed to any third party under any circumstances. Failure to adhere to this confidentiality may result in these enhanced commercial terms being summarily withdrawn without notice. Please make all cheques and payments out to The Travel Corporation Ireland Limited. https://www.youtube.com/c/UbyUniworld 81

Cruising Uniworld

About Us: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is the world’s most luxurious five-star all-inclusive river cruise line featuring luxurious ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, exclusive excursions, gourmet cuisine, and one of the highest staff-toguest ratio in the river cruise industry. Uniworld offers truly all-inclusive itineraries in Europe, as well as voyages in Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, India, and Egypt—a total of 23 rivers in 24 countries worldwide.

Unique Selling Point We are the only truly all-inclusive river cruise company on sale within Ireland, even including gratuities in the overall price. As the world’s only authentic boutique river cruise line, Uniworld is renowned for its one-of-a-kind ships, stylish décor, thoughtful personal touches, welcoming ambiance, superb cuisine, and gracious service.

Target Audience Our target audience is primarily 50+. However, we have a number of departures included in our Generations Collection for families.

Our all-Inclusive concept includes

www.ttc.com www.uniworld.com Contact Details The Travel Corporation, Travel House, 27 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 Reservations Call us free phone T 1800 98 98 98 and select option 2 E reservations@uniworld.ie

Sales & Marketing office Business Development Brian Hynes T 086 029 4168 E brian.hynes@ttc.com Sales & Events Carol Hurley T 01 775 3803 E carol.hurley@ttc.com

Once you are on the ship you do not need to Country Manager Marketing & PR worry about anything. The river cruises are Sharon Jordan Marissa Beck all inclusive and include everything from the M 086 782 3911 T 01 775 3805 gratuities onboard and onshore, all meals E sharon.jordan@ttc.com E marissa.beck@ttc.com onboard, unlimited beverages onboard, carefully crafted daily shore excursions, all scheduled airport transfers, entertainment and cultural enrichment Payment terms programs onboard as well as the Internet and Wi-Fi access A deposit of at least 10% of the cruise/tour fare per person onboard. is required within 3 days of booking or the reservation will be automatically cancelled. The balance of the price of the Sales and marketing travel arrangements must be paid at least 120 days before TTC provides strong commercial terms and override the departure date, or as advised at the time of booking and commission possibilities. We are also delighted to work stated on the confirmation invoice. with any travel agency on the individual basis for any inhouse marketing strategy. We offer a full and dedicated Brochure distribution sales support team based in Dublin and on the road.

Brochure distribution is via RTS. To order any of our brochures, please email carol.hurley@ttc.com

Agent Concessions

We offer ongoing promotions and incentives for all agents.

Any personal holiday requests should be emailed to Sharon Jordan at sharon.jordan@ttc.com and discounts will be offered on an individual basis. We strongly encourage agents to experience our holidays first-hand.

Training & Familiarisation trips Travel centres’ agents will be offered places on all fam trips and training sessions.

Video library: http://uniworld.ie/media-center/videocenter

General Information TTC agrees to partner with the Travel Centres in respect of its annual conference and supplier workshop.

The company also agrees to maintain a dedicated phone line 1800 98 98 98 for reservations and 01 775 3803 for internal sales and support.

Members are reminded that our negotiated commercial terms are strictly private and confidential and their contents may not be revealed to any third party under any circumstances. Failure to adhere to this confidentiality may result in these enhanced commercial terms being summarily withdrawn without notice. Please make all cheques and payments out to The Travel Corporation Ireland Limited.

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HERE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS...

CONTACT OUR DEDICATED TRAVEL TRADE SUPPORT TEAM.

• • • •

N112

irishferries.com/agent Call +353 1 638 3360 Email tradesupport@irishferries.com Follow our dedicated Facebook page at /groups/IrishFerriesTravelTrade

Ferries Irish Ferries

...AND HERE FOR YOU

Michael Walsh Inclusive Holidays Coordinator

Eve Clarke Trade & Group Sales Executive

Ann Pye Holidays Manager

Caitriona Butler International Markets Manager

Dermot Merrigan Head of Passenger Sales

David O’Connor E-Business Coordinator

Marie McCarthy Passenger Sales Manager Ireland & UK

Travel is an experience to be enjoyed and at Irish Ferries, we’re proud to have the right people to deliver just that to you and your customers. Working closely together, our sales team is 100% focused on your travel requirements, whether internationally or at home.

They’re passionate about what they do and that passion is a key reason why Irish Ferries continues to offer the best ferry experience to Britain and France.

BEST FERRY COMPANY

THEBESTBI TSABOUTUS Ourmoneys avi ngUKex c l us i v et i c ket sar e amus t hav ef orens ur i ngy ourc us t omer c l i nc hesagr eatdeal Manyofourt i c ket sbenef i tf r om f as tt r ac k ent r yandot herf abul ousper ks Popul arat t r act i onss el l outwayi nadv anc e, pr bookwi t hust oguar ant eeent r y . . . eandpl ent yofs mi l es Et i c ket sof f ert hatext r al ev elofs ec ur i t y andeas e.

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Ground Arrangements Attraction World

Attraction World is the award winning, leading supplier of theme park tickets, excursions and experiences to the UK & Irish retail travel trade.

We offer the best rates of commission and many exclusive tickets across an unrivalled product range of over 2,500 experiences – guaranteed to have something for everyone! www.attractionworld.com

So why should they buy before they fly?

Tenerife

With many money saving ticket options now available to prepurchase and as stated above often EXCLUSIVE to buying in advance it surely is down to you as a travel agent to point out the benefits of buying in advance! It’s a WIN/WIN situation… YOU improve your customer service and ultimate bottom line, whilst improving your customer’s overall preholiday experience. They don’t want to waste time queuing or worst still face disappointment in resort if they cannot get to do what they want on the day they want.. it’s your duty to give them a holiday of a lifetime with the memories that go with it and we are here to ensure you do!

Contact: Encompassing Attraction World Limited Europe’s no.1 3&4 Regal Court state-of art 6 Sovereign Road water park, Kings Norton Business Centre Siam Park Birmingham and its twin B30 3FJ sister, Loro Parque – here Sales Support are two great E enquiries@attractionworld.com experiences T 0121 411 9022 every family visiting Tenerife Attraction World Helpline should enjoy. (for all booking queries) What’s more E callcentre@attractionworld.com Attraction T 00 44 121 486 0300 World is proud to have an EXCLUSIVE offer on all tickets sold. We will offer your guests between ¤5 and ¤10 PER PERSON to enjoy spending in Siam Park when they pre-purchase tickets - no strings – honest!

And there’s more good news!

We offer your customers the chance to budget for their excursions as these can often be quite costly. Just €25 per person offers peace of mind and secures the booking plus we guarantee the price will not change. Another good reason to book in advance!

Now let’s talk shop!

It’s not rocket science.. we are simply offering you the opportunity to pre-sell tickets to the world’s greatest theme parks and attractions. Here are a few of our top sellers and the reasons why …

Florida The Theme Park Capital of the World without a doubt! With so many exclusive tickets that offer unbeatable value for money it would be sheer madness for your customers not to pre-buy. Best selling tickets currently include: • The ONE (our own exclusive ticket) that allows customers to enjoy 14 unlimited days’ admission to all the main parks at one unbeatable price – literally saving your customers ¤100’s on their tickets. This is a no brainer – particularly for those first timers who want to sample a little of everything Florida has to offer.

• Disney’s Ultimate Ticket valid for 14 days. another exclusive ticket that allows customers to enjoy 14 days of Disney at an unbeatable price. This is no Mickey Mouse ticket – this is the real deal!

• Discovery Cove – although not exclusive to prepurchase we CAN guarantee your customers entry.

This attraction is limited to just 1000 guests a day and in peak dates is guaranteed to sell out months in advance - make sure your customers don’t miss out!

It’s all about the Cities!

Don’t forget to make the most of adding attractions to City Breaks both in Europe and the USA. Look out for our brand new GOSEEDO options – offering some of the best attractions the city has to offer at one unbeatable price!

Check out GOSEEDO Rome, Paris, Barcelona, New York for starters…

UK Theatre Breaks Not only do we offer a mind blowing choice of tickets to ALL the main London theatre shows with the added advantage over our competitors of being able to show you exact seats before you book, we can now offer you a great range of hotels too - ranging from 2* budget up to 5* luxury and as always the choice is yours...

Of course this is just a very small snapshot of our product but will hopefully give you a little taster into the wonderful world of attractions that are out there just waiting for YOU to add that little bit extra professionalism and customer service to every potential customer who comes through your door.

Whether it be Florida or the Far East, Dublin or Dubai just make sure you ask the question as to what they want to do when they get there!

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Ground Arrangements Do Something Different

Rail travel allows you to truly experience a place while avoiding baggage allowances, airport security and long waits in departure lounges. Book with Railshop.ie today and enjoy the journey.

t 01 882 8679

| e railshop@atts.ie | w www.railshop.ie

Ground Arrangements RailShop.ie

Rail travel allows you to truly experience a place while avoiding baggage allowances, airport security and long waits in departure lounges. Book with Railshop.ie today and enjoy the journey.

About Us: RailShop is Ireland’s leading Award winning International Rail provider. An Irish company (a division of ATTS Travel Representation Solutions Ltd). We specialise in the sale of International Rail tickets, Rail Passes and Luxury Trains for travel worldwide.

Why book with RailShop • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The only International Rail Reservations company in Ireland Amtrak, DB Bahn, Eurostar, SBB, SNCB Europe, SNCF Voyage, Thalys, Trenitalia, Renfe, UK Rail, Heathrow Express, CP Portugal, Via Rail and many more Rail Operators.

Luxury train market – Venice Simplon-Orient Express, Rocky Mountaineer, EL Transcantabrico & Al Andalus Luxury Trains in Spain, PeruRail Titicaca & Machu Picchu, Imperial Russia & Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Scenic rail journeys throughout Canada, USA, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Norway and other European countries Special Group rates eticketing and TODs (paper tickets for some destinations) InterRail Global and one Country passes in Europe, Rail passes for the UK, Scandinavia, East Japan, China, Australia, the USA and Canada Competitive prices InterRail Pass, itinerary planning and reservations all in one Travel Agents nationwide use our service Voted best Rail Company for three consecutive years ITTN Awards 2015, 2016 and 2017 Fast turnaround, response same business day for enquiries

www.railshop.ie Contact : RailShop 93b Lagan Road Dublin Industrial Estate Glasnevin Dublin 11 T 01 882 8680 E railshop@atts.ie W www.railshop.ie

Destinations Covered: Our experienced staff can offer customers point to point rail tickets for extensive destinations in the USA, Canada, Russia, UK and Mainland Europe and a comprehensive range of rail passes. In addition to InterRail Global and one Country passes in Europe we can provide rail passes for the UK, Scandinavia, Japan East, Australia and the USA, all at competitive prices. Whether you are booking your clients for business or pleasure RailShop can provide you with the rail product you need. If your tickets cannot be issued as e-tickets or tickets on departure we will issue and post your tickets to you.

If you have a specific product or journey that you cannot easily book on our website fill in our Journey request form and we will come back to you within one working day or email railshop@atts.ie or call us directly and a member of our Rail Team will be happy to assist you.

Let’s build business together in 2019

Agents Training:

We are passionate about International Rail! Our expert team can take the pain out of finding the best train options for your clients. Time is money, within a month, savvy travel agents can save 10 times more of their time by using RailShop for all their International train journey enquiries.

Don’t shy away from selling International Rail, RailShop can partner you to success in 2019.

• Join our Breakfast Club • Request a webinar “Time is money, let RailShop save it for you”

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Insurance Accident & General

Accident and General would like to thank Travel Centres for another great year! Your continued support over the last 12 months is very much appreciated. We are proud of the quality of our travel insurance and the fact that we are trade only. For those who have used us this year, you know of our great service – why not spread the word?

What makes us special?

• No Upper Age Limit • Cancellation cover for relatives pre-existing medical conditions (Platinum Plus) • Claims dealt with in 5 working days • Zero Ombudsman Complaints • Sales support, medical screening and claims all based in Ireland • Trade only – Exclusive coverage not available online • Travel Supplier Failure (Covers the Travel Agents) • Non-Operation of Flight included in Core policy We fully understand that Travel Centres reputation is of the utmost importance. That is why we offer an inclusive product range that has Gadget, Winter Sports, Hazardous Activities, Golf & Business and of course zero excess all in our core Platinum policy. Upgrade to our Platinum Plus policy, and you get the same fantastic cover, with higher levels and the added advantage of cancellation and curtailment cover due to a relatives Pre-Existing Medical Condition. Feedback from agents has suggested that this policy actually helps to sell the holiday!

All Travel Insurance is the same – isn’t it?

Quite simply – No. A comparison of benefits tables gives an incomplete picture. The true worth of a travel insurance policy is found within the policy wording and at the time of a claim.

A&G have learned a lot since we started selling travel insurance in 1969 and we believe our extensive coverage provides superior protection. Our customers agree as we have received zero ombudsman complaints in the last number of years.

Why is an inclusive policy important to you?

It means that at point of sale you are confident in the cover you are providing to your client and that the policy you are selling contains the necessary cover they require. It also minimises the amount of questions that need to be asked of the client at point of sale to ensure adequate coverage. This is the hallmark of A&G- making sure your client is covered, with a straightforward sales journey supported by excellent after sales service.

Product Range • Single Trip (3 Levels of cover – Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus) • Multi Trip (3 levels of cover, as above) • Explorer (Backpacker) (3 levels of cover, Silver, Gold, Platinum) • European Motor Breakdown.

www.accidentgeneral.ie Accident & General Burton Hall Avenue Sandyford Dublin 18 Telephone: T 01 874 8458 E sales@accidentgeneral.ie

Business Development: Craig Donnelly cdonnelly@accidentgeneral.ie Noel Kavanagh nkavanagh@accidentgeneral.ie Agent Support Manager Adrienne Cullen acullen@accidentgeneral.ie

In addition to the core travel products, we can offer:• event cancellation • cruise connection • non operation of flight (travel disruption) • natural disaster and much more . . .

Did you know?

Accident & General innovate by constantly analysing claims and sales data while recognising the changing needs of Travel Agents and their clients. This helps us to tailor our policies to suit those needs. For example, this year we’ve included nonoperation of flight in our core policy – at no additional cost. We have also introduced a new Travel Supplier Failure policy which covers the Travel Agent. Here are some further examples: Here are some further examples:• Platinum Plus - cancellation cover for relatives pre-existing medical conditions • Platinum- Included in the price : • No excess, winter sports, hazardous activities, golf and business all included • Extensive personal property sections – e.g. mobile phones are covered and high single article limits • Family insurance – Children are Free on family policies.

• Excess - No excess on Platinum or Platinum Plus. No increased excess for hazardous pursuits or winter sports.

• And much more…

Technology A&G’s issuing system is straight forward and easy to use. The sale price can be changed and it protects both the agent and their clients by sending a clear medical warranty questionnaire and full policy documentation at the time of sale.

Interested and would like further information?

Simply contact Craig – 01 874 8458 or email cdonnelly@accidentgeneral.ie 93

Technology Travelport

Travel industry technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Travelport intends to remain at the forefront, meeting the demands for speed, flexibility and convergence that will enable our customers to compete and prosper.

Our aim is to be the world’s leading provider of informed travel choice by offering richer, deeper content through more accessible distribution. To achieve this we continue to create and embrace new technologies, platforms and ideas that deliver expansive content and improve customer service.

No matter how big or small the travel operation, be it online or offline, retail or corporate, our scalable best-in-class platform, leading set of application program interfaces, agency desktop points of sale, award winning travel apps and B2B international payment solutions are available to all our agency customers.

We have transformed the traditional GDS concept into an open platform enabling customers to access a graphically rich single user interface, to enable marketing and sales of full air content and full ancillary content. We focus our investment, innovation and effort on enabling travel providers and agents to sell how they want to sell and users to buy how they want to buy.

Travelport Ireland Travelport has over 220 employees based in its central Dublin office. This includes our Account Management teams focused on supporting our customers in Ireland and the Digital teams who are focused on developing the most sophisticated mobile travel technology solutions for agencies and airlines across the globe. Travelport continues to invest heavily in providing agencies with fast and easy access to the broadest possible choice in travel content, and content that is right for them and their customers. We make the process of selling, buying and managing travel – better for everyone - with easier, more efficient access to a greater choice of travel content and personalized, tailored itineraries supported by great customer experiences for the end-traveler. Strong and close partnerships with our customers is central to how we work with agencies here in Ireland. We have a unique approach to our partnerships, ensuring pour customers are the core of our decision making.

Rich Content and Branding

www.travelport.com/ie Travelport Ireland Sales: E sales.ie@travelport.com Sales Team: T 01 602 0444 Riona McGrath – Country Manager Catherine Brennan Joanne Madden Tara Hynes Sharon Lyons David Taylor David Conlon

Agents can quickly target customers with branded and tailored offers that better matches their needs, provide strong imagery so they can visualize their travel experience and therefore increase conversion.

Hotel and Car Rental Content In our Beyond Air category, we offer a wide range of different rate types for an industry leading portfolio of individual hotel properties (650,000) that are all fully bookable in real time. Our car rental content is second to none (over 37,000 car rental locations), and continues to grow. As a result of all of this, we believe we attach more hotel and car bookings per airline tickets than any other player in the industry.

Sophisticated Mobile Solutions Our relentless focus on using technology to enhance the entire travel value chain is also why, today, we operate – what we believe to be – a very successful division focused on delivering sophisticated mobile services and apps to the travel industry. In a time where the industry will be heading into a new era of distribution, including multi-source, NDC and more, the skills and expertise we provide are more necessary than ever to help Irish agents and customers navigate through the complexity of travel.

We also have over 260 airlines live on Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding solution. With Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding, travel agents can grow revenues by providing compelling itineraries with rich imagery and detail, giving a true feel for the travel experience on offer, and this approach really resonates with travelers.

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Tour Operators Breakaway

About Us: Breakaway are an Irish owned family business, serving Irish Travel Agents since 1968. We are celebrating 50 years in business this year. We are the Official Irish distributor for Disneyland® Paris and have been since it’s opening in 1992. We are also the Official Irish distributor for Explore! who are a leading Adventure Tour Operator with over 600 small group trips in over 130 countries world-wide.

Disneyland® Paris • Two parks, Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios • Over 50 world class attractions • It’s not just for kids! You’re never too old to experience the magic • 7 themed hotels • Over 50 restaurants in the hotels, the parks and in Disney Village • Pre-purchase meal plans, character lunches, shows • Disney Village – shopping, bars, and restaurants

Seasons and Events • Star Wars: Legends of the Force: mid January to late March 2019 • Halloween Festival: October 2019 • Disney’s Enchanted Christmas Season • Magic Run Weekend – Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and kid’s races • Spring Pirates and Princesses Festival

Unique Selling Points: • Breakaway’s Disneyland® Paris Online booking tool with a fast and easy to use agent’s portal • Live availability and easy to view discounts • Aer Lingus flights on the booking tool • Dedicated trade support by our Disney experts • Renowned for our service of excellence • White label and API options available for your websites

Targeting Audience: Disneyland Paris - Families, Teenagers, Couples

Sales/Marketing: Breakaway are happy and eager to work with our agents by supplying social media material, sales material, brochures, posters, flyers and assistance with advertising.

Brochure Distribution Brochures are distributed 3 times during the year. Stocks of our brochures are held by RTS, please contact us if you wish to order more brochures.

Training Online or onsite training for your staff.

www.breakaway.ie www.exploreworldwide.eu E Disneyadmin@breakaway.ie E exploretrips@breakaway.ie Dedicated travel agents line: T 01 607 9999

Explore!

The choice of tours that Explore! offer is second to none. As well as a diverse range of adult discovery tours they offer; • • • • •

Walking and Trekking holidays Family Adventures Cycling tours Wildlife holidays Tailormade trips

Explore! follow five core values of being Trusted; Adventurous; Fun; Responsible and Passionate to ensure that the best service is always provided to their customers.

Irish consumers are looking to travel to new and unique destinations and to experience local culture along the way.

Explore! offer this experience with small groups expertly led by local guides ensuring our customers will have the best holiday experience. You can check live availability and Euro pricing at https://www.exploreworldwide.eu/

Unique Selling Points: • Small sociable groups of 14-16 people • Age Profile is late 30’s up to their 70’s and 80’s (family trips are lower) • Accommodation is quaint, local and family-run rather than the bigger impersonal global-branded hotels • Local Guides who know the country they’re leading like the back of their hand. They get right off-thebeaten-track, allowing customers to really get under the skin of the country they’re visiting.

• Each trip graded by difficulty, so you know exactly what to expect • Solo travellers can enjoy small-group holidays while sharing the experience with other adventure-loving travellers.

Target Audience: Explore! - The age profile is late 30’s - late 70’s with the average age being 52, 60% of clients are solo travellers.

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affordable luxury

PERSONALISED HOLIDAYS tailor-made for your clients

AWARD-WINNING AFFORDABLE LUXURY HOTEL HOLIDAYS SINCE 1988 Classic Collection Holidays is an award-winning tour operator whose success is based upon its relationship with travel agents, its flexibility and expert staff who tailor-make holidays to include flights from any airport, on any airline, for any duration, to any of our hand-selected 4 and 5 star hotels.

50 travel industry awards 98% of our customers would recommend us and travel with us again 120 dedicated and knowledgeable staff 2400 travel agent partners Flights from Dublin Cork Kerry, Shannon & Knock 100% financial protection Private transfers included Price promise guarantee

SPAIN I BALEARIC & CANARY ISLANDS PORTUGAL I MADEIRA I ITALY I CROATIA MALTA & GOZO I GREECE I TURKEY

Call 01 541 3000

www.classic-collection.ie Classic Collection Holidays, 3-4 Merrion Place, Dublin 2, Ireland

TA0649

Tour Operators Classic Collection

We’ve been selling tailor-made holidays through the UK travel trade for more than 25 years and have won more than 50 travel industry accolades including Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards, AITO, SPAA, Elite, Advantage, The Travel Network Group and Travel Bulletin Stars, a coveted Travel Weekly Globe, Travel Trade Gazette and prestigious British Travel Awards. We’re proud of these awards. They endorse our brand and our high levels of service. Our award-winning luxury hotel holidays are now available with flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon , Knock and Kerry.

Our Destinations Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Costa Del Sol, Costa Blanca, La Manga, The Algarve, Lisbon and Estoril Coast, Porto and Douro Valley, Madeira, Sorrento and Amalfi, Naples Capri and Ischia, Sicily, Lakes Maggiore, Como and Garda, Malta, Gozo, Croatia,Corfu, Rhodes, Crete and Turkey

Our service We’re open until 10pm 7 days a week and even when our phones are busy we usually answer within sixty seconds. Our website www.classic-collection.ie provides comprehensive hotel and resort information and photographs and links to a brochure ordering and booking enquiry service.

Discussing your clients holiday requirements in detail with our experienced call centre staff insures we can provide you with our award winning level of service.

We get very positive comments about our reservations team, overseas staff, and all our support staff. We’re not perfect, but we’re not afraid to apologise and to fix things should they go wrong. We like to be the operator that says YES.

Our holidays All our hotels are hand- picked and contracted directly by us, we don’t use any third party providers. We’ll fly your clients from any airport with any airline for any duration.

We include private transfers, unless car hire offers better value. We’ll guarantee interconnecting rooms when and where necessary, and include complimentary Bubblebums (inflatable booster seats) for youngsters. Single centre, twin centre, multi centres, city breaks…we’re happy to discuss any combination of our featured hotels.

www.classic-collection.ie Classic Collection Holidays 3-4 Merrion Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Niall McDonnell t 01 541 3004 e niall.mcdonnell@classic-collection.ie Reservations 01 541 3000 Administration 01 541 3001 Accounts 01 541 3002 Office & press enquiries 01 541 3004 sales@classic-collection.ie

Our affordable luxury and what it means for you.

We offer 100% financially protected, luxurious hotel holidays. We pay full commission on all elements of every booking. Incentives are available with the agreement of your manager/head office. Our price promise guarantees that our holidays are competitively priced. Many Classic Collection Holidays’ guests are repeat bookers and so it’s lucrative for you to nurture them. We’re pleased to work with you on joint promotions, and if you’d like additional copies of our brochures you can order as many as you want directly from us. We are happy to provide staff training at any time that is convenient for you.

Each holiday is individually tailor-made and private airport transfers in resort are automatically included so your clients arrive feeling refreshed and relaxed.

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THE SLOPES ARE CALLING Fresh tracks, snowball fights, falling down and getting back up again.

There’s nothing quite like making mountain memories.

Stand on the edge of the world and conquer the mountain with Crystal Ski Holidays.

agent.crystalski.ie

Tour Operators Crystal

Crystal Ski are an award winning Ski Operator and for us, the mountain is everything. We love it as much as you do. We find the best places to ski and the most exciting mountains to spend time in.

Unique Selling Points: We have a holiday to suit every pocket.

Destinations: Crystal Ski offer holidays to Austria, Andorra, Italy, France, Slovenia, Switzerland, USA and Canada.

Target Audience: Singles, Groups, Families,

Co-Op Policy: Crystal Ski will match any price that you or your clients come across from time to time as long as the comparison is on a like-for-like basis.

Co-Op Policy: Contact your local Travel Agent is featured on all our Press Advertising.

Sales/Marketing: In addition to the enhanced commercial terms that Travel Centre members enjoy with Crystal Ski. Crystal Ski will also provide an additional 10% discount for Travel Centre agents and partner on our Ski Products.

Agent Concessions: Voucher promotions run on all products throughout the year.

Training/Fams: We participate in Travel Centres Webinar programme but can also provide one-to-one and one-to-many training on site with specific agents, subject to availability/eligibility. Crystal Ski may operate small escorted fam tours from time to time and invitations to participate will be based on agent sales for the current season.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation penalties and procedures are as per our published booking conditions.

Address: 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2

Operations: T 01 6533 510

Dedicated Reservations Line: T 01 6533 503

Website: https://agent.crystalski.ie

Credit Terms: Unless otherwise stated, all outstanding balances must be paid in full and cleared, at least ten weeks prior to departure. Crystal Ski reserves the right to cancel any bookings for whom a balance remains outstanding beyond the recommended time deadline.

Brochure Distribution: Brochure drops will be made at regular intervals and will be outsourced to a third party. Brochure supplies will be proportionate to previous years’ sales.

General Information: Crystal Ski agrees to partner with Travel Centres in respect of its annual conference and supplier workshop. The company also agrees to maintain a dedicated telephone line 01 6533 503 for reservations in order to streamline the services levels provided, particularly during the busiest booking periods.

Full details of our commercial terms with Travel Centres are contained within a separate document that can be accessed through Travel Centres agent intranet, the link to which can be found on the Travel Bug web site. Members are reminded that these negotiated commercial terms are strictly private and confidential and their contents may not be revealed to any third party under any circumstances. Failure to adhere to this confidentiality may result in these enhanced commercial terms being summarily withdrawn without notice.

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The Group Travel Specialists

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www.gtitravel.ie

Tour Operators GTI - The Group Travel Specialists

GTI – The Group Travel Specialists, are an Irish owned and operated travel company, established in 2003, providing diverse and interesting escorted itineraries to unique destinations across the globe. From cultural holidays to top European destinations including Austria, Greece and Basque to long haul adventures visiting Vietnam, Myanmar & Nepal, GTI Travel has a wide range of holidays to suit all budgets & requirements.

What we do GTI Travel specialise in escorted holidays, selling exclusively to the Irish Market. We provide high quality itineraries to unique destinations across the globe.

Our specialist staff are experienced, passionate and the best in their field. The professional sales and operations staff at GTI Travel delight in working with you to ensure clients’ needs are provided for.

Our diverse categories include Cultural Holidays in Europe and Worldwide, Historical & Battlefield Tours, Agricultural Tours, Sports Tours, Activity Tours and Special Interest Holidays.

Some holidays we are operating this year include Riches of Vietnam & Cambodia, The Beauty of Real Nepal, WW1: Flanders & The Somme, Cycling in Riccione, 5* Corfu Island Getaway and Basque, Bilbao & La Rioja

Why book with us?

• • • • • •

Irish owned & operated Selling exclusively to the Irish Market Fully licensed & bonded (T.A.0533) Small, friendly groups Professional & innovative team We provide window flyers, tour information and other promotional material • Fully inclusive prices

What’s included in our holidays?

• • • • • •

Return flights from Ireland including taxes & charges All internal flights Executive coach transfers Professional guides Hotel accommodation A selection of great guided tours & excursions

Target Audience GTI Travel cater for clients across the board, with small friendly groups suitable for couples, friends, family and solo travellers alike. While our average age group would vary depending on the tour type, it is generally mid-forties upwards.

www.gtitravel.ie Contact Details T Dublin: 01 843 4734 T Call Cork: 021 735 5515 T Call NI: 028 9575 7215 E info@gtitravel.ie

Commission For Agents GTI Travel are delighted to offer our fellow Travel Centre members a special commission rate of 10% of the base price per package sold on all of our incredible tours for the first five bookings made, with a special rate of 11% per package thereafter.

Booking • To book phone us or book online at gti-ireland.com • An initial non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is required to confirm booking. Payable by cheque, bank draft, debit/credit card or by bank transfer • Passenger names must be provided as per passport at time of booking • We provide an Agent Invoice outlining commission rates • Balance payments are due 10 weeks prior to departure on receipt of invoice Please see our website for full booking terms & conditions

Sales & Marketing GTI Travel work closely with a number of media outlets to advertise and promote the growth of our brand. We promote our tours online on both our website and social media pages. We also advertise through national publications including The Irish Times, The Sunday Times and The Farming Independent.

Keeping in touch We provide window flyers and other promotional material on request so just ask! For weekly updates on new holidays and special promotions you can sign up to our dedicated Travel Centre Agents newsletter. Just let us know you would like to be added to our list. We can also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also participate in webinar sessions and attend the annual Travel Centres Conference.

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INTREPID TRAVEL

Real Life Experiences

AVERAGE

age

42

RESPONSIBLE

suppliers

OVER 1,500

itineraries in 130 countries

AVERAGE

10

group size

LOCAL

tour leaders SUSTAINABLE

travel Join our Facebook group: Intrepid Loves Agents

Tour Operators Intrepid

Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest provider of sustainable, experience-rich, small group tours and that’s why over 300,000 passengers trust them with their holidays each year. Offering more than 1,500 itineraries in over 130 countries, they have a broad range of trip themes to suit various interests and three distinct travel styles catering to all tastes and budgets.

Why travel with Intrepid?

• Small groups with an average of 10 like-minded travellers • Be guided by a knowledgeable English-speaking leader • Eat in local restaurants, travel on local transport and stay in local accommodation • A perfect balance of inclusions and free time • Explore a destination responsibly and respectfully

Who is the Intrepid traveller?

On any one Intrepid trip you might find a male solo traveller in his early 20s, a group of female friends in their mid40s and a retired couple in their late 60s. Ultimately, it’s an attitude that unites Intrepid travellers not age, gender, profession or marital status. Your typical Intrepid customer is open-minded, friendly, easy-going and knows how to enjoy life (responsibly). It’s also worth mentioning that as many as 60% of Intrepid passengers are going solo, so it’s a perfect option for those with no one to travel with.

Why sell Intrepid?

• Guaranteed departures • Passenger satisfaction – 9 out of 10 would travel with Intrepid again.

• 24/7 reservations and customer service • No extra costs for solo travellers, if they’re happy to share with another same-sex traveller.

• 90% of trips are run by Intrepid’s local DMCs As an Intrepid agent you’ll also benefit from a variety of enticing incentives. These include industry best commissions, discounts of up to 50% on Intrepid tours, opportunities to go on worldwide fam trips and one free Urban Adventure day trip a year. In addition, you’ll have access to a dedicated team of BDMs who can provide informative training, as well as the Intrepid Marketing Team who can produce any collateral required to promote their product effectively.

www.intrepidtravel.com Agent Portal: bookings.intrepidtravel.com/agents Facebook group for agents: Intrepid Loves Agents Address 4th floor, Piano house, 9 Brighton Terrace, Brixton, London Sales T 0152 685 07 e uk@intrepidtravel.com BDM Team e ukbdm@intrepidtravel.com Andrew Turner T +44 (0)7901 914 856 e andrew.turner@intrepidtravel.com

How do I find out more about Intrepid?

• The Intrepid Loves Agents Facebook group is your go-to hubs for all things Intrepid. Join their online community of passionate agents today to: • Be the first to hear about their newest incentives • Learn how to secure a space on their next fam trip • Keep up to date with their latest sales and campaigns • Stay in touch with the Intrepid BDM Team • Ask any burning questions you might have about Intrepid • Connect with fellow Intrepid agents Plus, plenty of inspirational and educational content to help you sell the Intrepid style of travel to your customers as best you can.

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INSIGHT EXPERIENCES

DELICIOUSLY AUTHENTIC DINING

PREMIUM ESCORTED JOURNEYS TO SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND, SPAIN, MOROCCO, ITALY, FRANCE, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, POLAND, CROATIA, BALTIC STATES, RUSSIA, EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, USA, CANADA, BRITAIN & IRELAND

TRAVEL AND STAY IN STYLE

SMALLER GROUP CAMARADERIE

SEAMLESS, STRESS-FREE TRAVEL

Tour Operators Insight Vacations About Us: Insight Vacations is ‘in a class of its own’, providing premium escorted journeys that embody ‘The Art of Travelling in Style’. We’ll introduce you to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and North America, with destinations expertly brought to life by our renowned Travel Directors. Now is your time to take pleasure in authentic Signature Experiences, exciting regional cuisine and excellent hotels always hand-picked for their great locations in the heart of the action. Enjoy a variety of smaller-group touring styles guaranteed to suit your preferences and fulfil your travel dreams.

Unique Selling Point Our magic comes from taking the hundreds of ingredients that go into each trip and, with meticulous preparation and planning, weaving them into the perfect holiday. Every Insight trip includes a unique collection of engaging, exclusive and authentic Signature Experiences. On our award-winning journeys guests can look forward to travel on a luxurious coach with extended legroom and panoramic views, Signature Experiences, Authentic Dining, centrally located hotels and a highly-skilled Travel Director.

Target Audience The majority of Insight Vacations guests are 50+ with interests such as engaging in the destinations they visit, relaxing and hassle-free travel, interacting with local people and understanding destinations from their perspective and free time and leisure opportunities. We have a high repeat guest rate and our journeys are also very popular with solo travellers.

www.ttc.com www.insightvacations.com Contact Details The Travel Corporation, Travel House, 27 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 Reservations Call us free phone T 1800 98 98 98 and select option 1 E reservations@ insightvacations.ie Country Manager Sharon Jordan M 086 782 3911 E sharon.jordan@ttc.com

Our all-Inclusive concept includes Insight Vacations escorted journeys include select meals, excursions and entrance fees (as detailed in itineraries), all airport transfers and complementary Wi-Fi onboard most coaches.

Sales and Marketing TTC provides strong commercial terms and override commission possibilities. We are also delighted to work with any travel agency on the individual basis for any inhouse marketing strategy. We offer a full and dedicated sales support team based in Dublin and on the road.

Agent Concessions We offer ongoing promotions and incentives for all agents.

Any personal holiday requests should be emailed to Sharon Jordan at sharon.jordan@ttc.com and discounts will be offered on an individual basis. We strongly encourage agents to experience our holidays first-hand.

Training & Familiarisation trips Travel centres’ agents will be offered places on all fam trips and training sessions.

Sales & Marketing office Business Development Brian Hynes T 086 029 4168 E brian.hynes@ttc.com Sales & Events Carol Hurley T 01 775 3803 E carol.hurley@ttc.com Marketing & PR Marissa Beck T 01 775 3805 E marissa.beck@ttc.com

Payment terms Deposit of €100 must be paid within 7 days of booking.

The final payment must be made 45 days prior to departure.

Brochure distribution Brochure distribution is via RTS. To order any of our brochures, please email carol.hurley@ttc.com

General Information TTC agrees to partner with the Travel Centres in respect of its annual conference and supplier workshop.

The company also agrees to maintain a dedicated phone line 1800 98 98 98 for reservations and 01 775 3803 for internal sales and support.

Members are reminded that our negotiated commercial terms are strictly private and confidential and their contents may not be revealed to any third party under any circumstances. Failure to adhere to this confidentiality may result in these enhanced commercial terms being summarily withdrawn without notice. Please make all cheques and payments out to The Travel Corporation Ireland Limited.

Video library: https://www.insightvacations.com/eu/ community/video-gallery

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INCREDIBLE HOLIDAYS with a difference...

Discover the Danube’s marvellous sights on a relaxing five-star river cruise. Or explore a side of Paris loved by locals, along with its many highlights, of course. With Riviera Travel, the journey is every bit as enjoyable as the destination – and we have over 30 of them with departures from Ireland.

Award-winning reputation Since our inception in 1984, we have been consistently recognised for outstanding service, value and quality. For six years, Which? has awarded us the highly coveted Recommended Provider status.

For reservations contact our Dublin Office on 01-9056300 E-mail enquieries: help@rivieratravel.ie Tel: 01 905 6300 Fax: 01 905 6301 Visit: www.rivieratravel.ie

Every tour includes:

Tour Operators

• Visits and guided tours covering a destination’s must-see highlights and lesser-known gems Riviera Travel • Return flights plus hotel transfers • Hand-picked accommodation • Included meals vary by tour – generally daily breakfast is included on our European tours • The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager

Every luxury river cruise includes: • Visits and guided tours covering a destination’s must-see highlights and lesser-known gems • Return flights plus ship transfers • Luxury accommodation on the finest river cruise ships with river views • All meals on board including welcome cocktails and the Captain’s Dinner • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi – connection speeds may vary • Services of a Riviera Travel tour manager and cruise director

A carefully curated collection Every detail is carefully considered by our experts – we may recommend a route less travelled for a closer look at local life, or select a lesser-known boutique hotel for its charming hospitality.

Enjoy unrivalled personal service from our friendly team, who can be easily reached at any time. Our experienced tour managers are with you all the way, and our expert guides offer a depth of understanding and passion no guide book could match.

We are the UK’s leader in river cruising, offering 14 itineraries along Europe’s most iconic waterways, from the Douro to the Danube.

Our river-cruise ships are Swiss-built and operated, and primarily five-star rated.

We also offer: yacht cruises along the Dalmatian Coast, Mediterranean small-ship and tall-ship cruises, transatlantic crossings on board Queen Mary 2 with North American tours, river cruises in Asia, and luxury train journeys through the heart of India.

Our price promise Call us old fashioned, but we believe your holiday should be fairly priced without any compromise on quality. That’s why we don’t discount our prices, why there are no seasonal sales and why there are no deals for booking early or late. This means you can book with confidence knowing that you’re always getting the very best value with honest and straightforward prices all year round.

Excellent trade partnerships We offer our trade partners: • Competitive commission levels • No direct discounting • Dedicated agency support

• Bulk brochure distribution • Agents online booking facility • Online training module

Brochure distribution Our brochures are updated regularly during the year and distributed by RTS To order additional brochures, please email your request to travelagents@rivieratravel.ie

Riviera Travel Chase House City Junction Business Park Malahide Road Northern Cross, Dublin, D17 AK63 Holidays organised by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel, Chase House, City Junction Business Park, Malahide Road, Northern Cross, Dublin D17 AK63. Fully licensed and bonded

by CAR (T.O. 257). Per person prices based on two sharing a twin cabin. Single cabins available at a supplement. Additional entrance costs may apply. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel.

We’ve Got the World Covered!

Tour Operators Sunway

About us: Sunway Holidays, The REAL Package Holiday Company is Ireland’s largest, Irish owned tour operator offering over 70 destinations worldwide including: Summer and Winter Sun, Worldwide, USA & Canada, Cruise, River Cruise, Sunsail, Neilson, Mark Warner Beach Clubs, Club Med, Escorted Tours, Adventure Touring Holidays, Weddings & Honeymoons, Turkey, Lapland, Flexible Holidays, City Breaks and Christmas Markets. Sunway are 52 years in business and our goal is to provide good value, quality holidays at the best price. We are a fully bonded travel company under license no. 101.

What’s New for 2019: Sunway are delighted to now offer Flexible Duration Holidays to your favourite Sun or Winter Sun destinations, so if your clients are looking for 3,5,10 night trips - call us now! We have also launched a New Agents Portal – offering live availability 24/7. Now you can book your holiday 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sunway also have short breaks to some of Europe’s most popular Christmas Markets such as Vienna and Prague. We have an extensive range of USA based holidays including Fly Drives, Escorted Tours, Adventure seeking trips and family favourites to Orlando and are excelling in the Cruise market.

New destinations added to our European programme are: Sitges, Dalaman, Malta, Croatia, European Italian tours, and a luxurious Adult Only Lapland trip.

Our award winning reservations team are specialists in selling the world’s leading cruise lines and our dedicated cruise website section allows agents to easily view all of the fantastic itineraries that we have on offer. From the Mediterranean and Europe to the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Canada and New England, Transatlantic, China, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Arabian Gulf, Sunway have a cruise to suit everyone.

New to Club Med’s expanding program is a brand new ski and summer mountain resort in France, the 4T Les Arc Panorama, this resort also offers an outstanding 5T space, Le Belvédère, nestled at the top of the Resort. The first Club Med resort in Spain, Club Med Magna, Marbella 4T resort offers a complete childcare service for the perfect family escape, as well as relaxation spaces and pools for the ultimate wellness experience which is due to open for June 2019.

Unique Selling Points: We are a fully Irish owned and operated business unlike many other operators. We have 53 years of travel experience and have gratefully survived many booms and busts, ash clouds, strikes and political situations.

Award Winning:

www.sunway.ie SUNWAY Head office: Sunway Travel Limited, Marina House, Clarence Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin E info@sunway.ie European Reservations: (01) 2311 800 Longhaul: (01) 2311 856 Agency Sales: e jeanette.taylor@sunway.ie t 086 236 8583

Sunway are a multi award winning Holiday Company, winning top travel industry awards throughout the year.

Destinations: Morocco, Turkey, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, Canary Islands, Iceland, Lapland, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Israel, Russia, Scandinavia, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Asia, South America, Antarctica, China, Japan, Nepal, River Cruises in Europe, Vietnam, Myanmar and Africa. We also offer City Break destinations such as Rome, Malaga, Prague, Budapest and Vienna.

Target Audience: As we have a broad range of products our target audience varies.

We offer holidays to cater for couples, families, singles, over 55s, groups, honeymooners, wedding parties and so much more.

Co-Op Policy: Sunway will be happy to assist agents in joint promotions for advertising or shop sales. This must be agreed with agency sales in advance and is on a case by case basis.

Pricing Policy: We have made our best efforts to provide you with competitive pricing across all products. We will price match on all like for like products.

Agent Concessions:

New for Escorted tours; Sunway has launched the CostSaver Asia programme which includes hand crafted holidays with flexibility.

The tours offer great value without compromising on quality to fascinating destinations such as Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia India and Hong Kong.

We offer an Agency Staff Concession Scheme yearly. This is based on a required amount of passengers booked beginning with €100 off per booking based on 50 plus heads up to a maximum of €1500 off for 750 plus passengers. Please contact agency sales for full details.

Sunway the River Cruise specialist are excited with the forthcoming launch of AmaWaterways ‘AmaMagna’. At nearly twice the width of traditional European river ships, AmaMagna is a revolutionary new luxury river cruise vessel.

Training/Fams:

Mark Warner Beach holidays opened the Impressive New Mark Warner Phokaia Beach Resort in Foca, Turkey. New for 2019 Paleros Beach Resort in Greece. The resorts offer first class amenities including tennis, mountain biking, water-sports and award-winning childcare.

Sunway offer a variety of educational trips across all products throughout the year. These are offered on a performance basis.

We also offering training on any of our products, and as well as participating in the Travel Centres webinar program, we also run our own webinars.

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SKI HOLIDAYS FLY DIRECT FROM DUBLIN & BELFAST BULGARIA | ROMANIA | NEW YORK STATE

WHY CHOOSE TRAVEL SOLUTIONS...  Ireland’s only tour operator offering skiing holidays  to Bulgaria & Romania  Now offering New York State Ski Holidays  Over thirty years of experience  10% Commission paid on full amount including ski packs & taxes

YOUR LOCAL REP...

 Direct flights from Dublin & Belfast  We offer you the best holiday experience at the most affordable prices  Hotels featured have been inspected by a senior member of our team & offer great value & a full range of facili�es  Include Full Ski Pack & Ski Lessons & Half Board basis

Don Clarke

 Bookable online - www.balkanski.ie

Direct Tel: 048 9073 6522

 Short break op�ons available

Email: don@travel-solu�ons.co.uk

QUICK CALL BOOKING LINE Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm

Saturdays 10.00am to 4.00pm

T: 048 9045 5030 www.balkanski.ie

Tour Operators Travel Solutions

Travel Solutions Balkan Ski division is your only tour operator to operate from Dublin and Belfast to the top ski resorts in Bulgaria and Romania.

We are now delighted to offer New York State Ski Holidays, providing a different experience to our European Resorts.

Unique Selling Points: • 10% commission on every part of every holiday • Balkan Ski is the only tour operator to operate from Dublin and Belfast to Bulgaria.

• We make winter ski holidays more affordable!

Destinations: • Balkan Ski - the ski division of Travel Solutions - is Ireland’s only tour operator offering skiing holidays to Bulgaria from Dublin and Belfast • Romania Ski – the ski division of Travel Solutions – offering skiing holidays to Transylvania direct from Dublin • New York State Ski – New for 2019 Windham Mountain and Hunter Mountain resorts

www.balkanski.ie 3 Hillsborough Business Park 2a Hillsborough Gardens Belfast, BT6 9DT. Ireland Sales Manager: Don Clarke t 048 90736522 E don@travel-solutions.co.uk Agent Support: t 048 90 736518 E colin@travel-solutions.co.uk

Target Audience:

Credit Terms:

Balkan Ski – Singles, Groups, Families, Couples Romania Ski – Singles, Groups, Families, Couples New York State Ski – Singles, Groups, Families, Couples

Travel Solutions Policy

We can only confirm your holiday on receipt of a nonrefundable deposit per person. This deposit will secure your holiday and guarantee your price. The balance will be due no later than 8 weeks before you travel - the date will be shown on your holiday confirmation.

Contact your local Travel Agent is featured on all our printed material

Brochure Distribution:

10% Commission We offer excellent rates of commission, and every part of every holiday sold is commissionable – meaning great value for you as well as your customers.

Sales/Marketing In addition to the commercial terms that Travel Centre agents enjoys with Travel Solutions, we are also happy to work with travel agencies on an individual basis for marketing and promotional support. Call 048 90 736518 for further assistance.

Agents Concessions Email agent promotions run on all products throughout the year

Training & Support We can provide individual training, onsite training, agent support or marketing materials. Travel Solutions may operate escorted educational visits from time to time and invitations will be based on agent’s sales for the current season.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation penalties and procedures are as per our current published booking conditions.

Brochures will be delivered on regular intervals, but they can be ordered by emailing colin@travel-solutions.co.uk or call marketing support on 048 90 736518.

General Information: Travel Solutions agree to maintain a booking phone line 048 90 455030 for reservations and 048 90 736518 for internal sales support.

Agents are reminded that our negotiated commercial terms are strictly private and confidential and their contents may not be revealed to any third party. Please make all cheques and payments out to Travel Solutions.

Financial Protection It is important that you feel confident your money is safe.

We offer our customers flying from Dublin 100% financial protection, and in the unlikely event that we cease to trade, arrangements are in place for you to either continue your holiday or receive a full refund of monies paid to us. For all our flights from Dublin we hold a CAR licence issued by the Commission for Aviation Regulation. For holidays departing Belfast you have 100% financial protection with our ATOL licence covered by the UK Government, so rest assured your money is safe with Travel Solutions

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Tour Operators Wendy Wu Tours

Wendy Wu – Award winning escorted tours worldwide. Giving you more - more expertise – more inclusions – more added value. China, Tibet, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia.

At Wendy Wu Tours we really know Asia; every vibrant, fascinating and incredibly rich corner of it. That’s why we are the UK’s & Irelands leading specialist tour operator to China, Japan and Southeast Asia. You can trust that we are dedicated to expertly guiding you through your Asian adventure, wherever you choose to explore.

2019 /2020 – South America Peru & Colombia, Argentina & Chile, Brazil, Panama & Costa Rica.

For over 20 years, we’ve been perfecting the art of touring through China and Asia. We understand what it takes to create the most memorable tours ever - that winning blend of local expertise, pioneering touring plus the best guides in the business.

With this in mind, using the same magic formula, we’ve launched a series of 9 new and extraordinary tours to breath-taking South America – featuring Peru & Colombia, Argentina & Chile, Brazil, Panama & Costa Rica.

Here’s just a taster of what you can expect: • Follow in David Attenborough’s footsteps in the Galapagos • Enjoy wine tasting in Argentina • Try the world’s best steak in Buenos Aires • Travel along the iconic Panama Canal • Become a Gaucho for the day in Argentina • Explore Patagonia’s awe-inspiring glaciers • Take the panoramic train to Machu Picchu

Products We Offer Fully Inclusive Escorted Tours • International Flights from Ireland • All domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges • All accommodation in 3 / 4 * Hotels which have been handpicked.

• 3 Meals Every Day – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • Entrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees for EU passport holders are included and taken care of.

www.wendywutours.ie Contact us: T 0818 776 380 Reservation Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm Sunday: 10.00am – 4.00pm

5* Exclusive Collection Fully Inclusive Escorted Tours.

• Chauffer pick up to Airport in Ireland • International Flights from Ireland • All domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges • All accommodation in 5* Hotels & River Cruises • 5* Dinning with Meals Every Day – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • Private Tours with Entrance fees, guides and daily tours • Visa fees for EU passport holders are included and taken care of.

Tailor Made Tours Across Asia for individual clients and Private Groups.

ASIA Inspirations offers tailor-made holidays to China, Southeast Asia, Japan and the Indian Subcontinent. With individual itineraries, local expertise and exceptional service you can be sure that ASIA Inspirations can create the perfect holiday for you.

Note - Any of the product above can be booked as a complete package or land only content.

Booking Terms and Conditions To book simply contact the team on 01 485 4159.

Deposit is €350pp with the Balance due 8 weeks before travel.

Sales & Marketing Opportunities We are very happy to assist, please contact John Booty, Manager Ireland on 0831 701 860 or e-mail john.booty@wendywutours.ie.

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Specialists in B2B ground transportation service solutions

www.hoppago.com

Transfers hoppaGo

hoppaGo are the specialists in ground transportation, and in response to the digital challenges that travel organisations are facing, we are offering a solution – one platform comparing a network of thousands of ground transport suppliers across hundreds of countries, allowing you to select the right transport supplier for the leisure or business traveller based on price, service, or vehicle type.

With over 2 000 hubs, over 1 450 suppliers, and over 107 904 routes, hoppaGo connects all B2B clients to all ground transportation options via one platform. With this new platform we are focusing on our trade partners and we want Travel Agents to feel confident that their reputation is topof-mind and their customer will have an efficient, reliable, and seamless experience with us.

hoppaGo offers choice Travellers are continuously demanding a personalised experience, and every travel organisation is trying their best to achieve this. hoppaGo is offering to help deliver this personalisation to your clients by providing an extensive network of ground transport solutions.

hoppaGo makes it easy The digital world is growing rapidly and the effects on travel organisations creates continuous challenges that not everyone is quite ready to truly capitalise on. With hoppaGo’s extremely accurate technology solutions offering, we make it easy and simple for travel organisations to benefit from new and growing revenues from groundbased transport services.

hoppaGo is simple to use There is nothing worse than having access to incredible technology that you know could benefit your business, but no one can figure out how to use it. With hoppaGo, we are offering a single platform that is created with the user in mind. With easy-access and intuitive-use we offer travel organisations the ability to search journeys and select suppliers based on transport type, price, and service.

hoppaGo creates connections No more searching back-and-forth between service providers. hoppaGo’s single platform will help you connect, search, and compare global anywhere-to-anywhere ground-based transport suppliers.

www.hoppago.com Account Manager Email: matthew.dakin@hoppa.com Sales Email: sales@hoppa.com Pre travel, in-resort and Post Travel: Submit all queries via our online helpdesk.

Please select ‘contact us’ from the menu on our website.

Queries regarding bookings travelling within 72 hours: Tel: +44 (0)1483 804808

hoppaGo offers choice Through hoppaGo’s technology, network and service, we can offer Travel Agents individually a variety of choices in ground-transportation services.

Our technology offerings are the best in the business through offering Trade Accounts, White Label branding, and API integration. This technology will not only save you time and money and generate additional revenue quicker, but it will also help you to focus on your business priorities.

Our network offerings save you the time of having to find the best suppliers for your ground-based services, we have done it all for you. Through our tried and tested global coverage of 1000’s of suppliers and extended choices of vehicles for business and leisure, you need not worry about your customers getting to their destination of choice.

Our service offerings have been created to suit whichever type you may be looking for. From self-service, to assisted service, to full service, you have your choice.

Search, compare, book and manage all your ground transport requirements on one platform with hoppaGo.

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Take off time.

With Platinum Services.

Enjoy a fast and effortless travel experience through Platinum Services. Our 24hr private terminal with private check-in and security screening, luggage handling, private suites and chauffeur service direct to your flight.

Book now on dublinairport.com

Travel Services Dublin Airport Travel Services

Travel smart and save time by using Dublin Airport Travel Services.

We offer many benefits to all passengers providing convenience, efficiency and time saving. Travel Services compliment the whole travel journey from kerb to wing. With Airport Parking, Fast Track, Executive lounges, including the new 51st &Green lounge post USA clearance, Airport Club and Platinum Services, we have a complete range of products to suit the needs of all your customers.

Our services Airport Parking Dublin Airport Car Parks has a great mix of options and rates to suit all trips and budgets. Unbeatable value and convenience with over 22,000 spaces and a 24-hour complimentary shuttle bus services with 5 minutes transit time.

Fast Track You can bypass the regular queues and go through the designated Fast Track boarding pass channel in Terminals 1 and 2 and receive a free coffee in the terminal.

The Lounge in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Passengers can refresh and relax in the comfort of a tranquil lounge where you can avail of refreshments while waiting for your flight to board in T1 and T2.

Introducing the 51st & Green Lounge 51st & Green is an exciting new lounge in Dublin Airport, available to all passengers travelling to the United States, located after US Preclearance beside the departure gates.

Designed to make the most of your time, with a place for you to work, play, eat, relax, and revive and enjoy time away from the tiring demands of travel. The menu has been specially selected to showcase Irish food with an American twist, with a breakfast option in the morning and an afternoon healthy offering and some indulgent delights. Our barista coffee is made from roasted locally blended beans exclusively for 51st & Green. Treat yourself to a nice glass of prosecco or one of our cocktails. Our food is complemented by our warm welcoming customer service, prolonging the comfort of Irish hospitality with a welcome taste of the American service. All passengers are welcome with a walk-up rate of €39 or prebook on www.dublinairport.com at a rate of €35.

Your Luxury Airport Experience with Seamless and Effortless Travel Platinum Services Now you can travel through Dublin Airport via our luxurious Platinum Services Suite and we promise to streamline your journey.

Contact us: e Maurae.moloney@daa.ie t +353 (0)1 814 4361

Our Facilities include • 24-hour opening, 7days a week • Private check-in and luggage handling • Private suites equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment • Luxury shower room • Family friendly facilities • Chauffeur service direct to your aircraft in one of our luxury BMW vehicles • Private security screening area • Complimentary refreshments • Access to private car park directly outside Platinum Services • Chauffeur service to your destination available on request • Service available departing or arriving The perfect gift A Platinum Services gift voucher makes an ideal present for a friend, wedding couple of business colleague. We will post the voucher to your required destination and all vouchers are presented in a premium gift box – the perfect gift for an occasion. For more information please contact the Platinum Services Suite: +353 (0)814 4895.

For the Travel Agents Dublin Airport Travel Services are offering Travel Agents and Travel Managers the ability to provide additional products and services to customers thus completing the whole travel package from the time they leave the house to boarding the plane. We can provide the Travel agencies with a unique URL which will allow you to purchase the Dublin Airport Travel services and the Platinum Service on behalf of your customers and we will give you a commission rate on all your sales. Make sure you provide your Agency Name when booking the Platinum Services. The system is easy to use and looks exactly as the dublinairport.com website. For further information please use the contact details below. We are happy to show you our services in Dublin Airport should you like to come over to visit us, just give us a call.

Staff incentives We hope to implement some incentives throughout the year which we will let you know about when they happen.

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General Conference 2017

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General Conference 2017

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General Conference 2017

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