FIFTY-FIVE travel agents are back in their agencies after two nights on the North Sea, enthusiastic to sell more P&O North Sea Ferries and Wallace Arnold holidays.
That, at least, was the aim of the educational organised by the ferry company and coach holiday operator, which were both keen for agents to experience the product first hand.
“The key is for them to have been on the ship, as this is not something they would do under their own steam,” said P&O North Sea Ferries account manager David Townend.
“Getting them to see the cabins and try the food is important. If they then have a good time on the dance floor, it will make them remember the whole trip and help sell the product.”
Wallace Arnold Holidays national sales manager Mike Booker added: “It’s hard for agents of this age to get excited about a coach, but now they know what Wallace Arnold offers and what clients can expect.”
The agents were first or second-year Travel Training Company trainees, aged 16-18 and working towards National Vocational Qualifications levels two or three.
They spent one night on the ship sailing from Hull to Rotterdam, a day sightseeing in The Hague on a Wallace Arnold coach with a visit to Madurodam, which portrays Holland in miniature, and a night crossing back to Hull.
On the coach, Townend and Wallace Arnold southeast sales representative Danny Giles each gave short presentations on their companies and products. There was also a short quiz to complete, but Booker said the main aim was to let the agents have a good time.
“They have had 1hr 30mins in a classroom to discuss the brochure. This is a chance to sample the product. They have got to enjoy it, but it is not a holiday,” he said.
“I suspect they don’t realise what they have got out of it, but we will do a follow-up questionnaire to encourage them to home in on our unique selling points.”
Townend would like to put together packages to The Hague specifically for the participating agents to see if they can sell them.
“They have been listening and did well in the quiz, but that way we could genuinely monitor the value of the educational,” he added.
Both P&O North Sea Ferries and Wallace Arnold have on-going educationals to raise awareness among agents.
“Something like this costs a lot in time and money, but it is worth it as most of our business comes through the trade,” said Booker. “These are the agents of the future and a good grounding isimportant.”
Miniature magic: feeling like giants are, above, , Janet Morgan, sales development manager, Travel Training Company, left; and Wendy Pullan, Thomas Cook, Hull. Pictured trying to solve the quiz, left, are, AaronSimpson, Thomas Cook, Scunthorpe; Janet Morgan, TTC; and JasonWindass, Marion Owen Travel, Hull