Organisation wooing trade for roadshows and training events, reports Juliet Dennis
Tipto chairman Nick Hughes has urged more agents to experience the organisation’s roadshows as it targets increased attendance by “quality” consultants.
Hughes, who returned last month for a second time as the supplier marketing organisation’s chairman, said attracting “the right agents” to sell members’ products was vital to ensure its events provided value for retailers and suppliers alike.
Tipto attracted 1,979 agents to its face-to-face events in its 25th year, which concluded at the end of August. Hughes hopes the figure will top 2,000 in the next 12 months.
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“I want the number to increase for year 26; it would be nice to reach 2,000,” he said, but added: “It’s not necessarily about quantity, it’s quality, so both agents and operators are getting equal value [from our events].”
Hughes stressed the time spent by agents at training and networking events would pay dividends in terms of their knowledge and sales performance.
“If you have not done it, try it,” he said. “Or if you want to come back, we will welcome you with open arms.
“We want to make sure that value element delivers more business for agents and members. It’s two or three hours of your time and an investment worth making.”
Last year, an average of 55 agents attended every Tipto Face 2 Face roadshow. At each of the first two roadshows for Tipto’s 26th year, there were 60 agents.
It’s not necessarily about quantity, it’s quality, so both agents and operators are getting equal value
“It shows the appetite from agents: they see the value of coming to events,” said Hughes.
The next Tipto roadshows are in Hull on November 13 and Doncaster on November 14, with a larger SuperShow event on November 19 at Bolton Wanderers’ stadium. Training days will be held in Edinburgh on November 26, Oxford on November 27 and Lincoln on December 3.
Roadshows give agents the chance to learn about new products and offers from Tipto’s members, gain industry insights and sales tips and enjoy business networking. They include drinks, dinner and the chance to win prizes. Training days offer classroom-style learning with up to nine suppliers.
Agents can book a place via Tipto’s website or by emailing their name, agency details and the event they want to attend to team@tipto.co.uk.
Space available for two new suppliers
Tipto has space for a “couple more” suppliers and is in talks with one potential new member. The supplier marketing organisation started its 26th year with 23 members, down from 25 in the previous 12 months.
Chairman Nick Hughes said: “We are not maxed out – there is space for a couple more, but 25 is the maximum. We are talking to another potential member that may come in January.” But he stressed the number of members was not an issue, adding: “We are comfortable where we are and we know we can deliver the right quality and training.”
Two suppliers joined Tipto at the end of year 25, and four members left. AmaWaterways and Hurtigruten became members on September 1, while Yalago, Carnival Cruise Line, Celestyal Cruises and Inghams/Santa’s Lapland left at the end of August.
Demand predicted to rise
Upbeat market predictions by major travel companies for the coming 12 months could create the perfect environment for Tipto members to thrive, according to incoming chairman Nick Hughes.
Two of the three largest trade-facing operators – Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays – increased the size of their Atol licences for passenger numbers in the latest round of renewals.
With more agent newcomers likely to be recruited to the industry as it grows, quality training will be paramount, said Hughes.
“This is where Tipto comes into its own. The format is tried and tested.”
In the past 12 months, 55% of Tipto roadshow attendees were first-timers, which highlighted the need for training, according to Hughes. “Everybody is taking on new-to-travel people, so there is a need for training and engagement to continue,” he said.