This week’s on-the-road-again familiarization trip round-up takes us (vicariously) to Ireland, on an Avalon Waterways river cruise in Europe, and on an Exotic Journeys journey to discover the treasures of Turkey.
Travel Edge Network
As part of its Knowledge Trips program to provide firsthand experiences in destinations and with key supplier partners, Travel Edge Network, recently hosted a seven-day trip for 10 advisors to Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, Failte Ireland and Aer Lingus.
The group made visits to Antrim, Clare, Kildare, and Tipperary, staying at several luxury accommodations, including Dunadry Hotel & Gardens, Galgorm Resort & Spa, The Shelbourne Hotel, Dromoland Castle, Cashel Palace Hotel and The K Club.
Highlights included a VIP tour at the Giants Causeway, the only World Heritage Site in Ireland; Thermal Spa Village; visit to EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum, the world’s first fully digital museum; and the Irish National Stud & Gardens. A private guided tour with Secret Island Escapes provided opportunities to see parts of Ireland many rarely do as well as an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Irish immigrants heading for a new life in America, enjoying a pint in a local pub, and whiskey and cheese tastings.
Upcoming Knowledge Trips will feature Los Cabos, Finland, and Fiji.
TTAND
The Travel Agent Next Door counted 25 of its agents on the recent ACTA Summit aboard an Avalon Waterways river cruise in Europe – the largest contingent among agency groups.
“We are very proud that 25 of our agents earned a spot on this first-time ever ACTA summit on board a river cruise with Avalon,” said TTAND CEO Flemming Friisdahl. “This is a testament to how well our agents support Avalon and we were delighted so many of them were accepted to attend the summit.”
He added: “This was an amazing opportunity to experience an Avalon Waterways River cruise and attend all of the educational seminars along the way.”
The cruise carried a total of 125 Canadian travel agents through Europe on the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland on the Avalon Vista, experiencing excursions, local entertainment, as well as educational workshops and networking sessions.
The group was accompanied by Avalon Waterways president Pam Hoffee and ACTA president Wendy Paradis, along with other ACTA and Avalon team members.
Exotic Journeys
Ten Canadian travel agents from Toronto and British Columbia recently joined members of the Exotik Journeys team on a recent FAM trip to discover the treasures of Turkey.
in collaboration with key tourism partners, the group’s journey in Turkey included stays at some of the country’s most renowned hotels, unique excursions, and the opportunity to discover a wide array of sites and culture. Highlights included iconic landmarks like the ethereal Blue Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, the ancient city of Ephesus, the unusual Cappadocia region, and the spectacular Pamukkale terraces. The group spent an evening in a Turkish home, including a traditional meal and dance show.
Exotik Journeys offers a diverse range of itineraries in Turkey, covering everything from ancient history to modern adventures and the TravelBrands company says it was delighted to offer agents a chance to personally discover the destination.