More: Agent Achievement Awards 2023 shortlists unveiled
With just over a month to go until Travel Weekly’s Agent Achievement Awards 2023, Kelly Jackson looks forward to her first experience of the trade’s biggest night of the year…
Q. Why have you decided to sponsor this year’s AAAs?
A. It all comes down to one simple reason: we truly value agents, homeworkers and contact centre agents and wish to celebrate their exceptional contributions.
Q. How has 2023 gone so far?
A. It has been an incredibly positive year for us in the UK since consolidating TTC Tour Brands under one umbrella. Our combined efforts, strengthened partnerships and strategic initiatives have yielded remarkable results. We take great pride in the successful rebranding of Luxury Gold, the introduction of captivating new itineraries for Contiki, the notable increase in sales for Costsaver, and the sustained achievements of Trafalgar and Insight Vacations.
The diverse range of brands within TTC Tour Brands exemplifies our commitment to offering tours for anyone and everyone and really making travel matter through our sustainability initiatives. Additionally, we recognise the unwavering commitment of our esteemed agent partners has been instrumental in the realisation of these milestones.
Q. What are your main product focuses currently?
A. Currently, our main product focuses revolve around catering to the evolving preferences of travellers, while also prioritising our sustainability initiatives. Based on our recent research conducted with tour intenders, we have identified a strong demand for premium and bucket-list holidays among mature travellers seeking their next escorted tour experience. Building on this insight, we remain committed to showcasing our extensive array of experiences in the USA and Canada. These destinations have consistently been top sellers in the UK and Irish markets, reflecting the enduring appeal and allure they hold for travellers. However, we have seen outstanding sales for Europe and an increase in Asia too.
We are looking forward to continuing our mission of offering unforgettable experiences while championing sustainability within the travel industry. By doing so, we hope to create a positive and lasting impact on both our travellers and the destinations they explore.
Q. What are you doing to support your travel agent partners?
A. We are wholeheartedly committed to supporting travel agents, and we offer a range of valuable resources and opportunities to ensure their success. One of the key ways agents can benefit is by engaging with our highly knowledgeable sales team. Our team is dedicated to providing agents with in-depth information, training and support.
We have also developed a dedicated agent portal, accessible at agents.ttc.com. This comprehensive platform serves as a valuable resource hub, offering a wide range of collateral and materials.
Recognising the importance of first-hand experience, we regularly organise fam trips exclusively for agents. Recently, we hosted a TTC Tour Brands global fam trip to the Deep South of the USA.
Also, we encourage on-tour bookings from travellers and pass the commission straight back to the agent.
Q. What are your best memories of the AAAs?
A. While I have never personally attended the AAAs, I am thrilled to be part of this year’s event and eagerly look forward to experiencing it first-hand. The AAAs have earned a stellar reputation, and I have heard nothing but rave reviews about the event from colleagues and industry professionals who have had the privilege to attend in the past.
Q. What would your advice be for someone attending for the first time?
A. As a first-timer, I have heard that the atmosphere is electric, filled with excitement, anticipation and a true sense of camaraderie among industry professionals. So I will be using it as a unique opportunity to network, build connections and celebrate the remarkable contributions of agents who play a vital role in shaping the industry.
Q. What song will you be hoping to hear at the after-party?
A. My absolute favourite song is You Get What You Give by New Radicals, so I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed it gets played!
More: Agent Achievement Awards 2023 shortlists unveiled
