AAAs preview Q&A: TTC's Kelly Walker shares plans for more fam trips this year

TTC sales director Kelly Walker shares plans for more fam trips this year and reveals what she is looking forward to at this week’s Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards

 

Q. Why has TTC Tour Brands decided to sponsor this year’s AAAs?

 A. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding work of our valued travel agent partners, who have played a key role in our ongoing success. That’s why we’re thrilled to support this fantastic event and help make the evening truly special. We’ll also be giving away two amazing prizes on the night. On top of that, I was honoured to be part of the judging panel for the Young Leisure Agent of the Year award – assessing all the contenders was such an inspiring experience. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!

 

Q. How has 2025 been so far?

 A. It has been great! Although, how is it July already? Our fantastic trade team has been out in full force, proudly showcasing our five incredible brands. We really do have tours for anyone and everyone, and we’re seeing bookings from new agents every single day. The response from our agent partners has been truly overwhelming and we couldn’t be more grateful.

 

Q. What are your hopes for the rest of the year?

 A. We’re going to continue to spread the word about TTC Tour Brands, making sure agents are well-informed about our incredible range of products. More importantly, we’re keen to continue strengthening partnerships with agents to drive high-value, profitable bookings. Touring is a fantastic option for agents to recommend to customers as it not only leads to premium bookings but also builds lasting loyalty.

 

Q. How are you supporting your travel agent partners?

 A. We’re fully dedicated to supporting our agent community, with a jam-packed calendar of events, training sessions, roadshows and more. To further strengthen that support, we’ve recently expanded our trade sales team with two fantastic new area sales managers. We also just wrapped up an exciting competition that awarded 30 fam trip spots to incredible destinations like Hawaii, India and Peru. And the excitement doesn’t stop there as our much-loved “Jingle and Mingle” fam is returning in 2025. We’ll be taking 30 lucky agents to the stunning snow-capped mountains of Austria, where they’ll get to experience Contiki’s iconic ski chalet first-hand.

 

Q. What are your fondest memories of the AAAs?
A. There are far too many to mention, but the big reveal of the celebrity host is always a highlight!

 

Q. What was the last holiday you went on?
A. Thailand. I came back with my arm in a sling, but other than that I had the most epic time!

 

Q. What was the first holiday you went on?
A. Tenerife, with a group of friends when we were all 17 years old. It was wild!