Category: Agents

#TRAVELTRADETOGETHER

 

Travel Partners Group, the leading supplier industry grouping, has announced their roadshow schedule for 2022. This is another great step in the direction of full trade engagement and reconnection with your trade partners as we see a resumption of what we all do best.

 

Waterford 5th May Dooley’s Hotel

Cork 19th May Clancy’s Bar

Ballinasloe 8th Sep Shearwater Hotel

Dundalk 22nd Sep Imperial Hotel

 

Alan Sparling commented on behalf of Travel Partners Group, “Our last roadshow took place in Waterford during March 2020 and we look forward to re-commencing our events back in The Deise this May. Cork, Galway and Dundalk will follow and we promise to deliver an informative & fun filled evening, which agents have become accustomed to with TPG”.

 

“Watch out too, for exciting news we have about new suppliers coming on board”.

 

Invites will follow, but for the moment why not mark the date in your Travelbiz diaries (On the way and apologies for the delay).

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A pre-pandemic January’ – John Spollen (Cassidy Travel Director) reports on renewed remand, top tips and travel trends for 2022.

 

Since December, John Spollen has reported a massive surge in bookings. “If the past two years have taught us anything”, he says, “it is the importance of seizing life’s opportunities and savouring every moment of it when we can. Of course, everyone wants to travel, but we all want to do it safely”.

 

“The rebound is happening”, Mr. Spollen comments, “Overseas holiday enquiries and bookings picked up as soon as Ireland’s testing restrictions were eased. So many people are going to say yes to travel this year, bookings for overseas travel are on the increase. We are experiencing a pre-pandemic January! While this is great news for the industry the pent-up demand will have a knock-on effect on availability and prices of both flights and accommodation for the foreseeable future”.

 

With this in mind, Cassidy Travel’s experts have put together some top tips and trends for hopeful holiday-makers this year.

 

Cassidy Travel’s Top Travel Tips & Trends 2022

1. BOOK EARLY! – especially if your travel dates are fixed. With a prediction of 10-15% fewer seats around Europe this year due to demand, it’s never too early to book for this summer.
2. Be Flexible – avoid peak times if possible. Consider going on your summer holiday in May, June or September rather than July or August. Going on a short break? Travel mid-week if you can to avail of the best prices and availability.
3. Check Covid 19 Restrictions in your destination country – as we are all well aware, Covid 19 restrictions can change quickly and often. Keep an eye on your destination documentation requirements also. Most countries still require proof of vaccination/booster or negative PCR/Antigen test results.
4. Make Sure You’re Covered – Travel Insurance is essential! Remember to take out insurance at the same time you book to make sure you’re covered.
5. Passports – If you’re excited to travel in 2022, check your passport expiration date now. If you need to apply for or renew your passport for a 2022 trip, you’ll want to get that application into the passport office ASAP!
6. Book with an ITAA travel agent for increased security.

 

With regards to trends, one of the biggest this year is experiential travel. Cassidy Travel’s expert events and sports teams are reporting increasing popularity in event based holiday bookings. From concert packages like Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, to sporting events such as Formula 1, Six Nations, Golf Masters and Premier League, experiential holidays are definitely on the rise.

• Bucket List Travel – with many people forgoing their holidays over the past 2 years, and consequently having more savings in the bank, luxury and adventure trips are also becoming increasingly popular. Whether it’s a luxury cruise around the Caribbean, a honeymoon in the Maldives or a Kenyan Safari, the Irish have their minds on something extra special in 2022.
• Extended Family Holidays – Cassidy Travel are seeing a lot more multi-generational family holiday bookings as people enjoy time with their families after so much time apart. Villa holidays are perfect for large groups. Cassidy Travel can help you to find your ideal villa in the right destination for you whether you want to experience a new country for the first time or return to an old favourite holiday haunt.
• Check Out New Routes – There are some good flight and hotel deals on new routes from Ireland – and some incentive prices –including Madeira, Sardinia, Santorini, Cyprus, and also Jersey.

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector, has revealed bookings for intra-European travel over the Easter period have increased by more than 250%, while summer bookings are currently 80% above 2021 levels.

 

According to WTTC’s knowledge partner ForwardKeys, the leading travel data and analytics company, intra-European flight bookings for the busy Easter and summer periods have surged ahead of last year, giving a welcome boost to Travel & Tourism businesses across the continent.

 

During WTTC’s participation at FITUR, the international tourism fair taking place in Madrid this week, the global tourism body gave hope to the struggling sector.

 

Forward Keys booking data revealed a strong recovery for intra-European travel for Easter and summer, set to increase by more than 250% and 80% compared to 2021, respectively.

 

Julia Simpson (WTTC President & CEO) said: “Latest booking data shows Europeans are positive about travelling again. Bookings for Easter and summer are looking strong. Omicron has affected the start of the year, but as infections peak and the symptoms remain mild people are booking again”.

 

“The problems occur when governments react with travel restrictions. The World Health Organisation says that closing borders is pointless when Omicron is already prevalent in society. All it does is damage the economy and livelihoods. According to latest scientific evidence, although more transmissible, Omicron is less severe and leads to less hospitalisations and deaths. Therefore, we are calling on governments to reduce all travel restrictions and allow fully vaccinated travellers to move freely. Spain, that is hosting FITUR, a major Travel & Tourism trade fair, is keeping its borders open and is backing free movement and the economy.

 

According to the booking data, intra-European travel during Easter and summer in 2022 is expected to perform below pre-pandemic levels by only 38% and 45% respectively. However, as countries across the continent continue to relax travel restrictions, early indications show the recovery is gaining momentum and could edge even closer to 2019 levels as we head towards the summer.

 

In addition, during the first quarter of 2022, intra-European travel has witnessed a 275% surge in bookings, while latest booking data shows that international arrivals to European destinations will see an over 280% increase, compared to the same period in 2021. Spain is poised to be the most popular destination for European travellers, with intra-European arrivals to Spain during the first quarter of 2022 currently up by 320% (YOY), followed by Turkey.

 

As travel restrictions continue to ease and consumer confidence continues to grow, the European Travel & Tourism sector should expect an increased demand for travel with a significant boost in bookings in the upcoming months. In 2019, the global Travel & Tourism sector contributed nearly USD 9.2 trillion to the economy and represented 10.6% of all jobs (334 million).

 

According to WTTC’s research, in 2020, when the pandemic brought international travel to an almost standstill, 62 million jobs were lost, and the sector’s contribution to the global GDP fell by a staggering US$ 4.5 trillion. These losses have affected the many millions of livelihoods who rely upon a thriving Travel & Tourism sector, while significantly affecting the global economy and development.

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I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Linda earlier this week. An industry colleague, friend and someone who genuinely cared for all who she touched in our industry. I had the pleasure of working with Linda, Ger and all the team in Ace travel a number of years ago as I franchised the Ace Travel business during my time with Falcon Holidays. Linda’s drive, passion and entrepreneurial spirit was evident from our very first meeting and formed the engine room of our more recent efforts to engage, support and highlight the plight of our retail industry partners when marching to Leinster house in 2020.

 

I had a number of conversations with Linda during her short illness and at all times her drive to get through this battle was so clear, making sure that I was totally up to speed on all of her colleagues’ efforts to reengage and support all concerned in our industry.

 

Linda’s light will forever shine and on behalf of all the Travelbiz team, our readers and followers, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Ger, Linda’s loving husband, daughter Marena, sons Paul and Gary and all of her family and friends.

 

Rest In peace my friend and we all continue to keep your spirit shining bright in our Industry.

 

Don

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The new experiences span16 countries and include activities such as meals at local establishments supporting marginalised groups, to immersive tours preserving Indigenous and ethnic minority legacies.

 

Intrepid Travel, the B Corp certified tour operator with a mission to create positive change through the joy of travel, has announced it is adding 22 new ‘impact initiatives’ to its itineraries in 2022 – which the company defines as activities that directly support environmental or wildlife conservation, preserve Indigenous culture or support marginalised social groups – adding to an already robust portfolio of sustainable and ethical experiences around the globe.

 

The majority of Intrepid Travel’s top trips already contain ‘impact initiatives’, with dozens having been added to the tour operator’s portfolio in the last year alone. The addition of 22 more in 2022 is proof of the company’s ongoing commitment to operate trips that give back to both people and the planet.

 

 

“The tourism industry is it at a pivotal moment with the gradual resumption of travel. Businesses such as ours have an exciting opportunity, not to mention a responsibility, to find more ways to contribute in a positive way to the places and people we visit”, said Erica Kritikides (Senior Product Manager Intrepid Travel).

 

“Intrepid’s sustainable, experience-rich style of travel allows people of all nationalities and backgrounds to connect through immersive, hands-on experiences. Being more intentional with the experiences we offer our travellers allows us to collectively make a greater positive impact in our shared world”.

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Diary@Travelbiz.ie

 

Have you emailed your request for a copy of the all-new 2022 limited edition ‘Bounce Back’ Travelbiz 2022 Desktop Diary? This is the last week for registrations to Diary@Travelbiz.ie as we will commence deliveries very soon. We apologise for the delay as we were assured deliveries would commence last week. We will be with you all very soon.

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One of my dearest Industry pals is heading for a new departure as Leila McCabe (Trade Account Manager TTR) is leaving the travel industry. After 25+ years Leila has decided it is time for a change.

 

What an amazing lady and what a contribution she has made to our industry over the course of her career. Leila has certainly made a difference and I personally will not forget all she has done for me in my various roles and I am so happy and proud to call Leila a lifelong friend.

 

Leila would like to thank everyone in the travel industry for the many wonderful years of fun, friendship and travels. Leila wishes everyone in the trade continued success, health and happiness. TTR are currently recruiting Leila’s replacement. Michael Collins (MD TTR/TravelMedia.ie) would like to thank Leila for all her hard work over the years. All in the industry will miss Leila.

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Don Shearer (Managing Director Travelbiz Ltd) will be flying high today as he embarks on his Floridian road trip, bringing you all the latest news and trade partner updates from the Sunshine State.  Don will be working with the team in Visit Florida meeting our trade partners as he makes his way from Orlando to St Pete’s, Clearwater, Tampa, Daytona beach, Kissimmee and lots of other stops on the way! 

 

Travelbiz will bring you live updates from this year’s Florida Huddle which takes place in the city of Champions, Tampa. When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took home the Lombardi Trophy in the historic Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay became known as ‘Champa Bay’! The Bucs are the first team to ever host, play, and win a Super Bowl.

 

The celebration continued when the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) won the 2020 and 2021 Stanley Cup. The Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) also won the 2020 American League Championship and the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL) captured back-to-back USL Eastern Conference Titles in 2020 and 2021.

 

Stay tuned as Don will be sharing all the trade partner updates and general ‘travel mood’ from one of our very favourite USA destinations.

 

For more information on Tampa please click HERE.

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Diary@Travelbiz.ie

 

We have been assured that we will in a position to commence delivery of our all new 2022 Travelbiz Limited Edition Bounce Back desktop diary very soon.

 

If you would like a copy, please email Diary@Travelbiz.ie today!

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See more pictures for details of all new Trade Booking Incentives!!!

 

Valid for bookings 01 – 31 JAN 2022

 

WORLDWIDE excluding Florida THEME PARKS

Work as a branch and every time you reach €400 worth of DSD Sales €10 will be deposited into your DSD bank!

 

FLORIDA:

• EARN €5 per order for all SeaWorld Park Tickets and for all Universal Orlando 3-Park Explorer Tickets
• EARN €10 per order for all Discovery Cove Ultimate Swim Tickets
• EARN €10 per order for all Disney Magic Tickets, Disney & Universal Combo passes, Freedom and Freedom Ultimate Tickets

 

ENTER your bookings by emailing WIN@dosomethingdifferent.com

T&Cs: Incentive is valid from 1st JAN – 31st JAN 2022.  Agents must claim their vouchers by emailing their DSD order references to win@dosomethingdifferent.com with ‘BANK’ in the subject line by 11th of FEB. EVERY booking you would like to enter must be submitted by this period. We will not accept any additional bookings after this date.  Love2Shop vouchers will be issued at the end of March 2022.  Valid for agents on commissionable rates only.  Orders that have been discounted or price matched will not qualify. All monetary vouchers are issued with the understanding that the recipient is responsible for any tax implications.