AGENT education is top of the agenda for the Tunisian National Tourist Office, which plans to take 700 agents out to the country this year.
UK director Houssem Ben Azouz said:”We have to make sure agents know the country is on the Mediterranean and that they pass on the right image to the client. Education is very important – we want to try and do the maximum we can for the trade.”
The majority of agents will get to see the destination in November, when the tourist board plans to repeat its mega educational for 500 people, in conjunction with key operators.
Airtours-owned Panorama believes strongly in agent familiarisation trips.
Sales and marketing director Martin Young said: “One of Tunisia’s biggest issues is education. We know from our travel agent famtrips that most people have mixed perceptions of the country.
“But once agents visit, they realise that hotel standards are excellent. Service is good, and the rooms are big and airy.
“Properties are kept fresh as hoteliers are constantly updating them. Add to this, reliable summer weather and cheap souvenirs.
“Agents also come to realise there is much more to Tunisia than just beaches – you can go shopping in the markets or try a desert safari.”
Panorama is planning to take well over 1,000 agents out to the country by the end of the year, both on joint trips with the tourist board, as well as its own dedicated educationals. The programme kicks off in May with a trip for a dozen agents to Port El Kantaoui.
A second key operator, Cadogan, took 100 agents out last October, in conjunction with the tourist board, and is planning another fam trip for 100 agents this month.
A series of joint roadshows with the tourist board is also in the pipeline. Five evening events are planned for this month and next in London, Gatwick, Bournemouth, Luton and Brighton.
Cadogan expects to get 200 agents through the doors for each event. Managing director Gary David said: “It will be our biggest roadshow to date.”
After a presentation on the country, agents will have the chance to win a free holiday, or tickets to see the forthcoming Star Wars film that has been shot in Tunisia, as well as videos of the film.
Tunisian specialist Wigmore Holidays and Travel plans to take 30 agents out to the country to promote a new destination – the island of Djerba off the southeast coast.
Marketing director Kader Chelbi said: “Djerba is a new destination as far as the UK market is concerned.
“The destination is not touristy, as all the hotels are concentrated down one side of the island, leaving the other untouched.
“It will appeal to those looking for a quieter holiday.”
The tourist board plans to launch a sales guide for the UK conference and incentives market at Confex in March.
The guide will feature activities such as hot-air ballooning and trips to the Sahara desert in the south of the country. The board’s target for the first year is to host 10 conferences.