VIRGIN Atlantic has been waiting for nearly four years to get on Travel 2/4 long-haul training sailings.
The airline finally made it on this month’s sailing from Harwich to Hamburg. Key account manager Lisa Cooper has already decided that she wants to continue to take part.
“It is good value for money as you get a one to one with so many agents – and they can’t escape. I have been surprised at how little they know about Virgin, which proves that this was the right thing to do.”
The style of presentations varies between suppliers. Virgin was promoting its Upper Class service, while others try to make sure the agents know what products exist.
Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation marketing executive Jacqui Griffin said: “It’s no good bombarding them with facts and figures. I will be happy if they have found out where to get more information.”
Travel Indochina Asia product manager Nick Hatton, over from Saigon to join the training, agreed.
“I want the agents to be aware that Travel 2 sells Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia,” said Hatton.
“Some 95% of them have not been to Vietnam and the young ones know nothing of the history so it is hard to do more. I find that a 15min presentation is long enough.”
Other suppliers praised the workshop format.
Maui Rentals regional manager UK and Europe Leanne Lengton said: “I’m just a one-man band in the UK, so it is difficult to see agents, and here I have access to so many in one go.”
Coral Princess sales manager UK and Europe Hamish Haslop, who travelled over from Australia for the training event, added: “To be able to speak almost one to one with so many agents is definitely worthwhile.”