Evolution Travel Collective (ETC) is a proud Platinum Sponsor of Karryon’s Niche is Nice 2024 boutique roadshow for travel advisors, shining the spotlight on specialist suppliers and diverse destinations. ETC Co-Founders Ingrid Berthelsen and Pete Rawley explain how exposure to boutique travel brands will help advisors power up their knowledge bank and expand their expertise.
Visiting Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne from 26-28 August, the first-of-its-kind Niche is Nice 2024 boutique roadshow will showcase 32 unique destinations and specialist suppliers – all in one convenient, central location.
It’s a prime educational and networking opportunity for all travel advisors to increase their product and destination know-how as well as win up to $20,000 in amazing prizes.
Helping advisors stand out in a crowded market
As ETC CEO Pete Rawley says, in a post-COVID world, consumers trust travel advisors more than ever to create up-to-date itineraries and source the best possible experiences for their trips.
“With that in mind, Niche is Nice 2024 will showcase the brands, products and destinations with less exposure among retail consultants and place these agents in the position of having an expanded knowledge bank of the product available out there,” he said.
“It’s really about equipping travel advisors with the added expertise that will set them apart as travel experts to their clients.”
Showcasing more diverse and dedicated tourism offerings
The B2B representation company will highlight six niche touring and rail travel brands in its portfolio at the boutique roadshow, covering experiences around the world.
ETC will showcase Albatross Tours, Explore Worldwide, Great Journeys New Zealand, Rail Online, Touropa and TruTravels – some of which have never had the opportunity to attend a trade roadshow of this scale.
Managing Director Ingrid Berthelsen said: “As a B2B business, we are all about the travel agent and building brands so we want to grow exposure for our brand partners and build enquiry through advisors.”
“We want travel advisors to be aware of our brands, understand when the product will work for their clients and know how to create bookings, so Niche is Nice is a key opportunity for these six brands.”
Niche is Nice 2024 – a win-win for all
Travel advisors can meet and speak to all exhibitors in an informal marketplace setting as well as enjoy interactive presentations from select suppliers and destinations.
Berthelsen said it’s a win-win opportunity for travel professionals and operators alike – smaller suppliers can gain exposure and engage with advisors and agents can level up their know-how and elevate their expertise.
“A lot of the smaller and niche operators are not necessarily preferred with larger brands or may not have the financial and staffing resources to attend training days and conferences or stage a national roadshow, making it difficult to engage with travel agencies and network groups,” she said.
“These are brands, products and destinations that travel advisors previously may not have the chance to hear from before or speak to one-on-one, and that’s what makes Niche is Nice 2024 so exciting.
“There really is so much opportunity for agents to come along and learn something new.”
Shaking up your regular programming
Rawley added: “A roadshow of this nature that caters specifically for niche operators not only allows specialist suppliers to increase brand awareness with agents, it also provides a change from what many advisors are exposed to regularly at large conferences.”
“I congratulate Karryon for initiating a boutique roadshow for niche operators and travel advisors – it’s a first in the 30-odd years I’ve been in the industry.
“Niche is Nice 2024 embraces the Karryon ‘Together In Travel’ DNA that supports all elements and sectors, which is not only courageous but also a very welcome platform for the industry. It was a no-brainer for us to be involved,” he said.
Travel advisors can register below to attend Niche is Nice 2024 in your city:
- Brisbane: Monday, 26 August 2024, 5:45-9pm at W Brisbane
- Sydney: Tuesday, 27 August 2024, 5:45-9pm at Swissotel Sydney
- Melbourne: Wednesday, 28 August 2024, 5:45-9pm at The Langham Melbourne
For more information, contact Karryon Event Manager Simran Mediratta at simran@karryon.com.au
