The organisers of Balkans-focused travel trade event New Deal Europe have formed a partnership with Online Travel Training to target frontline travel agents.
The deal will allow destinations and tourism providers in the Balkans and southeast Europe to use the OTT service on a free trial basis in 2021.
New Deal Europe is a marketplace and forum which has taken place virtually in its first two editions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Robert Dee, New Deal Europe co-founder, said: “This partnership allows the greater Balkan region to showcase what it can offer directly to the key influencers in tourism – the travel agents. It will give the agents the confidence to book this emerging, but relatively unknown, area of Europe.
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“Travel agents are looking for something new and something close to home, and this delivers on all fronts.”
Tine Murn, fellow co-founder and event director, added: “OTT training programmes are easy to design and just as easy for the travel agents to access, and they really allow agents to gain an insight into what the New Deal Europe destinations have to offer.
“I’m delighted that we have this opportunity to put the Balkans and southeast Europe front and centre in every travel agency.”
Kenny Smith, OTT global partnerships manager, said: “We want to develop the Balkans in partnership with New Deal Europe, as it is a recognised brand associated with the Balkan region in the minds of the travel community.
“We have worked with many of the Balkan destinations and suppliers individually. However, this collaboration brings this wonderful region together and is a great step forward in aiding the kickstart of travel after the pandemic.”