VisitGuernsey is capitalising on growing interest in holidays close to home by launching an agents training pack at World Travel Market.
The pack, available at the tourist board’s stand, includes tips on how to sell Guernsey and islands Sark, Herm, Alderney; a destination map listing the islands’ key attractions and a factsheet on selling points.
To add celebrity status, the pack includes names of famous personalities who have visited Guernsey. They include former Spice Girl Emma Bunton and GMTV presenter Kate Garraway, who is launching VisitGuernsey’s 2007 consumer brochure.
The pack has been produced with Preston Travel Group and Premier Holidays.
VisitGuernsey trade relations manager Jason Moriarty said: “This year, there has been a serious increase in calls and hits to our website by people who have never previously visited our islands.
“Some are people who are deterred by the new pressures involved with long-haul travel.
“We’ve also noticed people are making last-minute decisions about taking a short break. We want to increase agents’ awareness so they suggest Guernsey when asked to suggest a holiday close to home.”
The pack has been designed to be incorporated into face-to-face training by sales managers from Preston Travel Group and Premier Holidays.
Moriarty added that 90% of Guernsey’s visitors are from the UK.