The Magic Castle Hotel in LA has been an agent favourite for many years, and to show their support, they have started a fund to provide AU$500 grants for Aussie Agents who are in most need of a bit of help right now. How good is that?
Los Angeles based Magic Castle Hotel CEO Darren Ross has been a regular and hugely popular visitor to travel industry events here in Australia for years.
If you’ve been lucky enough to meet Darren, he will have no doubt left you with the same unique and enchanting feeling that he and his Magic Castle Hotel team have delivered so consistently for Aussie travellers for decades.
A gentleman and a true hospitality legend, Darren’s genuine warmth and care for everyone he meets is a testament to how mutually successful the hotel’s relationship has been with the trade.
So, when Darren contacted us with a fantastic idea to help Australian agents in what is their greatest time of need, we of course jumped at the chance to help him get the word out…
Over to you Darren!
“There is no question that the support Australian Travel Agents have shown us here at the Magic Castle Hotel over the years has been massive.
“Your contribution not just to our little hotel in Hollywood, but to our city’s economy is not taken for granted. Thank you.
“It’s been my honour visiting Australia for many years and meeting so many of the people who put their trust in us to take care of their clients.
“Now it’s our turn to show support to you.
“It’s been heartbreaking over the past many months to witness the unprecedented struggle our industry is having.
“If you’re still employed, you’ve had to put in a lot of work, adapt to constantly changing guidelines from suppliers and governments, be yelled at by clients for issues out of your control, deal with an enormous amount of uncertainty, all while making very little money.
“If you’re no longer employed due to the pandemic, you’re dealing with all the stresses of trying to survive during this most challenging time.
“I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of you, and have been around the culture of your industry in Australia for many years.
“I understand the passion you have for building amazing holidays for your clients, making sure your corporate clients’ trips go flawlessly, and the love that you have for your colleagues.
“I have at least some understanding of the stressful nature of your job even in the best of times.”
How we’d like to help
“We’ve started a fund to provide $500AUD grants for those Australian Travel Agents who are in most need of a bit of help right now.
“We look forward to getting other companies and individuals involved in
helping contribute to our fund.
“While this isn’t a fortune, we hope it might offer a small bit of relief to pay some bills, buy some groceries, or whatever is most needed.”
How can you apply?
“In normal times, we create wonderful experiences for our guests that turn into stories that they’ll want to tell for years to come.
“Now, we want to hear your stories.
“We want to hear about the impact the pandemic has had on you or someone you’re nominating,
“Your story can be either written or by a short video explaining why you or one of your colleagues should receive a Magic Castle Hotel Australian Travel Agent Relief Grant.”
Please complete your application by clicking here.
“It’s understood that talking about yourself in this way can be uncomfortable.
“These submissions will be kept confidential unless we’re given permission otherwise and will be viewed only by those running this grant, including a specially appointed panel of Australian travel industry professionals that will carefully decide on who receives these grants.
“There is also absolutely no shame in needing some help right now.
“These circumstances have been out of your control, we know this. We’re here to help in this small way.
“This grant will continue for as long as there is funding and there is a need. Magic Castle Hotel will start the fund with enough for five grants and will be asking for donations so that we can help as many people as possible.
“We’ll also be asking local business in Los Angeles, who benefit from Australian tourism, for donations as well as individuals from our community, and throughout Australia to give what they can.
“The frequency and quantity of grants issued will be determined by the amount of money in the fund.
“And please note that 100% of the funds will be distributed. We’ll take care of any administrative costs.
“We would welcome you to share this with any business, family member, or friends and they are welcome to donate to the fund by going to our GoFundMe Page.
“Thank you and good luck. #TogetherinTravel“
Ready to get involved? Complete your application by clicking here.
