Travellers Choice choose the Southern Hemisphere’s highest bar – Melbourne’s Eureka 89 restaurant – for a gold-themed bash and a literal high point to wrap the company’s first post-pandemic conference in three years.
The two-day conference attracted more than 200 delegates to the Crown Conference Centre, culminating with the celebration that was billed as the ‘Three Years in the Making Party’.
Travellers Choice Managing Director Christian Hunter recapped the national network’s resilience and extensive support to members over three years.
This included almost 100 webinars, more than 700 supplier booking issue resolutions and over 1,500 marketing campaigns and support initiatives.
On behalf of members, he thanked AFTA for its support of travel agencies in “their time of most desperate need and securing the critical financial support”.
Mr Hunter used his opening address to unveil plans for further expansion of the group’s omnichannel booking platform, TC One.
Touring and cruise will be added to the accommodation, activities, car rental and transfers currently on the platform, which incorporates an online B2C booking engine that empowers advisors to compete with OTAs.
He also updated members on the revamped membership strategy with three distinct tiers priced according to the level of support.
“Since the launch, we have welcomed several new members who have provided outstanding feedback on what they describe as the best business decision they have ever made,” Mr Hunter said.
At the party, Mr Hunter also regaled the crowd with a version of Foo Fighters’ Everlong, changing a lyric to: “The only thing I ever ask of you, is use an agent when you book your next holiday”.
The conference included keynote speakers, workshops and a Preferred Supplier Exhibition with prizes, including cruises and an African safari.
This year’s conference closed with the announcement of next year’s destination for November 2023: The Star Gold Coast.
To find out more, visit travelagentschoice.com.au