Two travel agents who organised a fam trip around Australia say they are already reaping the benefits of their efforts.
Ken Garrity, director of Ken Garrity Travel, and Graeme Brett, director of Westoe Travel, have just returned from spending a month travelling around Australia on a self-funded trip during which they posted updates on social media, including a blog on travelweekly.co.uk.
The pair, both recognised by Tourism Australia as Premier Aussie Specialists, said the trip had already resulted in new bookings.
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Garrity said: “We gained a lot of updated information and I’ve already had three enquiries in two days [since I returned]. It’s great for the future as there is pent-up demand for long-haul travel to the antipodes.”
He added: “The main message is Australia is open again for tourists.”
Westoe said a blog on his own agency’s website and daily updates on Facebook had helped to drive new bookings from his client base, with five extra sales during his trip and another six enquiries currently being worked on.
He advised fellow agents to encourage early bookings from clients after the pair found flights and many attractions and trips in Australia were booked up well in advance.
“We’ve found there is huge demand for Australia but with flights being full, customers need to book as far ahead as possible,” he said, adding: “Some products are full well in advance such as iconic train journeys The Ghan and The Indian Pacific as well as accommodation at Uluru.”
He recommended that agents wishing to capitalise on Australia sales registered for the Aussie Specialist Program run by Tourism Australia to improve their product knowledge. He added: “Australia has something for all budgets but the message to customers is to speak to the agent experts, Premier Aussie Specialists and Aussie Specialists.”
Tourism Australia has also announced it is to run its roadshow ‘Australia on Tour’ in four cities across the UK in November and December.
It will include presentations from Tourism Australia, destination partners and Singapore Airlines, as well as food and drink, networking opportunities and a quiz at the end of the night to win a return airline ticket to Australia. Each state will showcase their latest tourism products during the tour.
The roadshows run from 6pm until 10pm and take place on November 9 at the Everyman Cinema Glasgow; November 10 at the Odeon Liverpool One; December 6 at the Everyman Cinema Bristol; and December 7 at the Pentahotel Reading.
Any agent can attend by visiting the Australia Specialist Programme website aussiespecialist.com.