Travel Counsellors has completed its TC Together “on tour” month after replacing its annual conference with a series of smaller events across the UK.
The roadshow kicked-off in Edinburgh on November 2, and visited London, Stansted, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, and Birmingham before concluding in Belfast on November 30.
Its roadshow-style format comprised of ten events at eight venues. It replaced the homeworking group’s planned conference in Liverpool.
The company said: “Whilst understanding that nothing quite beats the power of being together face to face, Travel Counsellors wanted to ensure this was done in the safest way possible, opting for numerous smaller-scale events, rather than one flagship conference, attracting over 2,000 people.”
The roadshow conference focused on the positives and the opportunities presented by Covid.
Chief executive Steve Byrne said the company was in a “strong position” due to a “perfect storm of trends” including the accelerated uptake of technology and demand for trusted travel advice amid complex international travel rules.
He said this presented individual Travel Counsellors with “a phenomenal opportunity” because of the business’ focus on ‘personalisation through digitalisation’.
Chris Barker, head of digital products, said: “Technology allows us to go to the customer and stay with the customer. Travel Counsellors can embed themselves within the customers’ world to be on hand with expertise and advice whenever and wherever the customer needs it.
“By giving each customer the right blend of digital and personal interaction for them, Travel Counsellors can deliver an enhanced level of personalisation through our digital platforms.”
Byrne also updated franchisees on Travel Counsellors’ sustainability efforts, including specialised sustainability training for agents to help them educate customers on eco-friendly travel options and having staff and franchisees sign up to a commitment to learn about and consider responsible tourism in every holiday they create.
Forty awards were presented across the ten events, recognising individual Travel Counsellors and support centre staff for their efforts over the last year.
Global sales director Jim Eastwood said: “There are countless examples of ways that members of our community have pulled together to support our customers and each other.
“It has been incredible to be able to personally recognise the achievements of our people after such a long time apart”.
Byrne added: “After the most challenging period that the travel industry has ever seen, it has been fantastic to come together and celebrate the achievements across our community.
“As we progress through the pandemic, we have a clear focus on the future and we continue to strive to provide the best levels of support for our business owners, who in turn provide exceptional travel advice and experiences for their customers.
“We are constantly progressing our tools and support through increased investment in our technology platforms, and we are determined to become even more sustainable.
“We have an extremely special community at Travel Counsellors, and we are committed to supporting the continued growth of our leisure and corporate travel business owners for years to come.”