Promotional tickets for the Global Travel Group conference in Manchester sold out within two hours, according to managing director Dave Clayton.
The first 100 places were sold at a special price of £49 for two nights’ accommodation, gala dinner, speed dating and conference sessions. The package is now being sold at £199.
Global is expecting 400 people to attend, including 260 agents and 140 suppliers and staff. Clayton said he was finalising details of “exciting” guest speakers.
The decision was taken to hold the conference in Manchester this year after 80% of members voted to stay in the UK. It takes place on March 8 and 9 in the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Manchester city centre.
Trading for the consortium is 9% ahead of last year for 2010 so far, with the average selling price up from £565 to £676. Winter breaks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, are very strong, and Turkey has taken over from Majorca as the top destination for summer 2010.
Triton Rooms is also performing well, added Clayton. “We’ve seen fantastic growth on Triton Rooms – it is 110% ahead on last year. It is being well supported not just by Global and Independent Options members, but by Advantage and Worldchoice as well.”