As the countdown begins to Travel Weekly’s Agent Achievement Awards 2024, Kelly Jackson admits she was blown away by her first experience of the event last year. Andrew McQuarrie reports.
Q. Why have you decided to sponsor this year’s AAAs?
Our reasoning remains steadfast – we truly value all agents and wish to celebrate their exceptional contributions to our incredible industry. We are committed to honouring their achievements and believe this event inspires continued excellence. It’s an amazing evening that we are excited to be part of.
Q. How has 2024 gone so far?
This has been an amazing year for us. We have assembled a great team in sales, headed by Kelly Walker, and marketing, led by Anna Vine. We have strengthened our partnerships, increased our visibility in the trade and consistently promoted TTC Tour Brands. The response from our trade partners has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to continue our journey of growth and expansion.
Q. Which products are you currently focusing on?
We are currently focused on several exciting products that have seen wonderful growth across our brands: Contiki, Costsaver, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold. European products continue to thrive, and North America remains a firm favourite among our offerings. We’re also thrilled to see Asia sales bounce back this year. Our latest news includes the launch of trips to the Philippines with Contiki, which was added to our roster of trips after a major growth in demand among travellers worldwide, particularly those from the Gen Z demographic. Additionally, we have added a series of women-only trips with Insight Vacations, which comes after research with Journey Women showed that 65% of women surveyed “look for tour companies that offer women-only tours or solo trips for women”. Both trips have garnered huge interest.
Q. What are you doing to support your travel agent partners?
We are deeply committed to supporting our travel agent partners in every way possible. We have assembled our Dream Sales Team, ready to assist with anything you need. Our easily accessible contact centre is available to help with reservations and answer any questions. Additionally, we provide a dedicated agent portal at agents.ttc.com. This comprehensive platform serves as a valuable resource hub, offering a wide range of collateral and materials, live availability and the ability to book online at any time. We have so many cool incentives and recently welcomed back a few agents from a fam trip to Greece. This is just the start of great things to come.
Q. What are your best memories of the AAAs?
Last year was my first time attending the AAAs, and I was absolutely blown away by the incredible event. My jaw dropped at the sheer scale and energy of the evening. There was so much to keep everyone engaged, from the fantastic live acts to the vibrant atmosphere. Most importantly, it was wonderful to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the agents. The entire experience left a lasting impression, and I’m excited to see what this year has in store!
Q. What would your advice be for someone attending for the first time?
Having just been a first-timer, I can honestly say – get ready to be wowed!
Q. What song will you be hoping to hear at the after-party?
I am such a Swiftie, so anything by my girl Tay Tay that we can sing and dance to!
Q. Favourite destination?
Switzerland.
Q. The last holiday you went on?
I enjoyed Easter in the wonderful African bush.
Q. Dream trip?
New York still remains top of my bucket list… one day!
Q. One word to sum up the AAAs?
Electric!