Agents visiting World Travel Market this year will have the chance to win fam trips to destinations as diverse as Venezuela and Prague, Las Vegas and Jordan.
In total, 30 breaks are up for grabs this year through the Discovery Trail, the programme designed to help travel agents make the most of their visit to the exhibition.
WTM director Fiona Jeffery said:”WTM is one of the few opportunities agents have to see the world of tourism. It is great fun but we also want them to take a serious approach and to use WTM as a learning tool so they can go back and contribute something to their business.”
Agents will be required to visit each of the 30 participating stands to collect information on products and destinations.
In addition, three free seminars are being held for agents on November 17 and 18. Paul Richer of travel technology consultancy, Genesys, and Arnie Weismann of Cahners Travel Group will be tackling how to set up and how to make the most of an Internet site. Travel Weekly columnist Maureen Hill will be taking agents back to basics in her seminar, Suits you Sir – Tailoring Your Sales Technique. Hill will be giving tips on how to establish relationships with the client.
The Discovery Agent of the year award, sponsored by Travel Weekly and British Midland, will be presented on Thursday to the agent who has demonstrated the most comprehensive product knowledge, customer care and enthusiasm.
The winner will receive £1,000 prize money and be invited to industry events during the year. “We want the winner to become an ambassador for travel agents,” said Jeffery.