TTR Spring 2020 Travel Industry Road Show to be postponed
Given the fast and ever-evolving nature of Covid-19 we have taken the decision to postpone our Spring Travel Industry Road Show, which was due to take place from 23rd – 25th March, visiting Galway, Waterford and Cork.
This has not been an easy decision to make, however, the health of our team members, our participating suppliers and our travel agent attendees must be our main priority. While the current Covid-19 situation remains so fluid, it has become impossible for us to proceed with these events, even though many had wished the Road Show to still take place.
These events are postponed – not cancelled. We will return to Galway, Waterford and Cork once Covid-19 is under control and the situation has become more stable. Over the last week we have engaged in numerous conversations with both suppliers and travel agents as we tried to navigate the best way forward – we would like to thank them for their insight and their support.
We will revert as soon as possible with new dates for Galway, Waterford, Cork.
Our Autumn Road Show, Sept 7-9th, Belfast, Kilkenny, Limerick will still take place.
Bronagh Mc Namara
5 ways Bradley International Airport is improving your travel experience with airport upgrades
If you are a traveller, you know that all the little details can quickly add up to good or bad experiences. At Bradley International, our aim is to make that experience as relaxed, convenient, and easy as possible. In short, we want you to love the journey. Here are 5 airport upgrades we’re working on to improve your travel experience!
1. On-Site Transportation Center
Additional public parking, on-site car rentals, and increased access to public transit will all be part of the new “Ground Transportation Center” connected to Terminal A. The construction is set to launch this year and will make it easier to navigate in and around the airport.
2. Indoor Pet Relief Area
Recently, we opened a new, post-security, indoor pet relief area—which is a welcome addition to our two outdoor areas. Special thanks to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation for their invaluable input during the design phase of the project.
3. Baggage Claim Makeover
Along with our new Information Center and elevator, which were recently completed, the baggage claim area will be getting a makeover. Plans are underway, with upgrades slated to begin next year.
4. Upgrades to Concessions
One of our favorite places to grab a bite before your flight— Black Bear Saloon— just wrapped up undergoing renovations. Expect to see a new look when you visit it next!
5. Upgraded Restrooms
Take a peek into Bradley’s powder rooms in the coming year. Our restrooms are being upgraded with a fresh, modern look! First set of updated restrooms will be opened this summer.
We know these updates will make every traveller’s time through the airport the least stressful part of their trip.
Due to popular demand, the TravelMedia.ie / TTR team have just announced the TTR Travel Industry Roadshow schedule for 2019.
Launched in 2013, the TTR Travel Industry Roadshow is the longest running and most established roadshow in the Irish travel industry.
Below are the dates for the TTR Travel Industry Roadshow across Ireland in 2019:
Spring:
Tuesday 26th March – Galway
Wednesday 27th March – Waterford
Thursday 28th March – Cork
Autumn:
Tuesday 27th August – Belfast
Wednesday 28th August – Kilkenny
Thursday 29th August – Limerick
Why attend as a supplier? See testimonials from suppliers in the trade as well as agent attendees in this video from our February 2018 event!
For each road show we bring together a mix of different supplier types, some new, some established, some well-known, some specialist, ensuring interest and attendance from the agents/operators.
We never go on the road with the same line-up of suppliers. We are never top heavy with one type of supplier over another, e.g. cruise over bed banks or destinations over airlines. We always have anchor suppliers who we know the trade want to meet.
The TTR Travel Industry Road Shows are a unique opportunity for suppliers to network with travel agents and tour operators, in a structured yet relaxed setting. With multiple travel agents and tour operators all present in one location on the same evening, these events offer a once off opportunity for suppliers to present their latest products and agent incentives.
At each event, guests will also have the opportunity to win some great prizes which have been provided by our suppliers.
Please note these events have a limited number of places. Please RSVP to michael@travelmedia.ie to secure your place.
Bronagh Mc Namara
Bradley International Airport appoint TTR to represent them in the Irish market
Bradley International Airport appoint TTR to represent them in the Irish market
TTR, along with our sister company TravelMedia.ie, have been appointed by Bradley International Airport as their representation within the Irish market.
Bradley International Airport is in Connecticut and is the second-largest airport in New England. In 2017 it was voted the 5th Best Airport in the US by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
Aer Lingus (EI) serves Bradley International Airport daily from Dublin (DUB) during the spring, summer and autumn and up to four times a week during the winter. The average flying time from Dublin to Bradley International Airport is 7 hours, with one-way fares starting at €158.99 (as part of a return journey).
Bradley International Airport is located just outside Hartford Connecticut, one of the oldest cities in the US. Hartford was founded in 1637 and hosts many wonderful tourist attractions, including the former home of Mark Twain and the country’s oldest art museum. It is also about the same distance to Springfield Massachussets, which is known as the “The City of Firsts” due to its many innovations. It is also the former home of famous children’s author, Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss).
Commenting on the announcement Bradley International Airport Executive Director Kevin A. Dillon said “At Bradley International Airport, convenience and ease of travel are the hallmarks of our reputation, which is not only appealing to our local travellers but also those travelling from Ireland. We look forward to working with TTR to build stronger awareness about Bradley Airport and partnerships with the travel trade community. The Irish route is very important to us.”
Michael Collins, Managing Director of TTR said “We are delighted to be working with Bradley International Airport. I had the pleasure of travelling through Bradley International Airport recently. It’s a brilliant airport, so efficient. Touchdown to taxi in less than 20 minutes, and ideally located between Boston and New York.”
If you want to get more information on Bradley International Airport or would like to work with them, please contact michael@travelmedia.ie.
Bronagh Mc Namara
How to prepare for a FAM trip
Let’s face it, the main highlight of working in the travel industry is the opportunity to travel. In order to really sell a product, one must experience the product. Thus the FAM (or familiarisation) trip was born. While these trips are a fantastic way to get out of the office, don’t forget there is still an element of work involved. You were chosen to take part for a reason and will be expected to deliver in some way upon your return.
Make sure you’re ready to go with our useful tips on how to prepare for a FAM trip.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Though you may spend your days preaching to others about the practicalities of travel, it is very easy to forget the simple things when it comes to travelling yourself. It’s also very easy to get caught up in the excitement of heading away yourself or to take things for granted, such as an in-date passport. Always make sure your passport is up-to-date and valid for at least six months after your trip. For some countries this is a requirement upon entry. You should also look into any travel vaccinations that you may require for your trip, as these generally won’t be covered by the organisers.
Make introductions
Before you embark on your FAM trip, always introduce yourself to the organiser. Not only is it polite and will get you started off on a nice note but they will also be able to answer any questions that you may have. Yes, they are hosting this trip in the hope that you will be able to increase sales for them on the particular route, destination, hotel, etc. but remember they are going out of their way to put together the best itinerary possible for you. If possible, also get the contact info for your fellow attendees. You’ll be living in close quarters with them for the duration of your trip. First impressions can go a long way to building longer lasting relationships.
Read up on the destination
Chances are the trip will be relatively short – a whistle-stop tour of the highlights that the area has to offer. You’re always best to do your research beforehand so you’re ahead of the game when you get there and not struggling to keep up. It will also make your visits more enjoyable and beneficial as you’ll know the key points to look out for or any hidden gems that there may be.
Research social media handles/hashtags
The main reasoning behind the trip is, essentially, promotion. While you’re away you should utilize any social media channels that you have at your disposal – both personal and business – and document your trip online. Not only will the organisers love the coverage but all your pals back at home will be seething with jealousy! Research the relevant hashtags and handles of the organisers, hotels, tourist boards, attractions etc. to save yourself time and hassle while away, and to also give back to those who you are being hosted by.
Set out a plan
Always embark on a FAM trip with an objective. From your business point of view, look at how the items on the itinerary best appeal to your clients and outline which selling points will work best. If you go into the trip thinking “This will make a great blog post” or “It would be great to have some high resolution images to use online” then you can focus on that while you’re away. That way, you’re not back in your office a week later regretting something that you didn’t do. Take as many photos and videos as you can – you’ll never know what could crop up later on and you’ll be kicking yourself.
Pack the essentials
This is definitely not the time to be packing the kitchen sink. Pack light and pack well. Chances are you’ll be moving location each day and lugging a giant suitcase on and off planes, trains and automobiles is not fun. Read your itinerary beforehand and pack accordingly. The number one item is comfortable footwear. You will likely have the legs walked off you over the course of the trip so a decent pair of walking shoes is key. Also, a battery pack for your phone will always come in handy as well as sun-cream and a copy of your itinerary saved to your phone.
Follow up
ALWAYS follow-up with your hosts. You may need them again down the line, they’ll be able to assist you with any follow-up questions and it’s just plain polite. After all, it’s nice to be nice! ?
Did you know we also assist with planning FAM trips? If you would like to know more then please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Bronagh Mc Namara
5 things you didn’t know about TTR
5 things you didn’t know about TTR
You may have seen the name TTR – Travel Trade Representation floating around attached to roadshows, events and other trade relations over the last few years. However, do you really know who we are, what we do or, in fact, where we came from?
Below are five things you may not know about TTR to get you started. Have more questions? Let us know!
We are a sister company of TravelMedia.ie
TTR was established in 2013 as TravelMedia.ie expanded further into trade relations in the Irish travel industry. As demand for Irish based trade representation grew it was evident that there was a market for a travel specialist and so TTR – Travel Trade Representation was born. TTR allowed specific team members to focus solely on trade relations. Our core representation activities include roadshows, trade events, training, trade introductions, trade marketing and advertising, monthly e-zines direct to agents and operators.
We organise the longest running Irish travel industry roadshow
The TTR Travel Industry Road Show was launched in 2013 and is now the most established and widest reaching roadshow in the Irish travel industry. The roadshow brings together a diverse group of over 20 suppliers from at home and abroad and takes them on the road around Ireland twice annually – Spring and Autumn – to meet with hundreds of travel agents and tour operators.
The events are very well-known and received, visiting at least six cities each year but reaching even further afield thanks to complimentary agency transfers to and from each event. This ensures ease of access for agencies located outside the city centre and an even wider reach for the events. On average over 150 agents attend our events each year. We never go on the road with the same line-up of suppliers and are never top heavy with one type of supplier over another. We always have anchor suppliers who we know the trade want to meet.
We arrange FAM trips
As well as organising a range of events on Irish shores, we also put together FAM trips for suppliers and destinations looking to target Irish agents. Thanks to our years on the road, we are know all of the agencies across Ireland and have a very comprehensive contact database consisting of every Irish agency that is updated weekly. Therefore, we are in a perfect position to assist with hand-picking those who would best suit the product. We can assist from start to finish – putting together lists of relevant agencies, sending invitations, liaising with attendees, acting as chaperone on the trip, documenting the trip across social media and managing all follow-ups with those who participated.
We have both national and international clients
TTR works with the Irish travel trade on behalf of clients from all over the world, not just in Ireland. These include airlines, hotels, cruise and ferry companies, airports, tourist boards and CVBs, car hire companies, tour operators, travel insurance companies and OTAs. Aside from our offices in Dublin, we meet with clients in London on a monthly basis. Want to know how we do? Check out testimonials from current and former clients. We also attend many of the major travel industry events across the world such as ITB Berlin, TBEX, WTM, Phocuswright and IPW. If you would like to see how we can work with you just drop us a line.
We run bespoke events nationwide
As well as our national TTR Travel Industry Road Show we also arrange bespoke events for suppliers, whether it is an airline promoting a new route, a tourist board looking to increase sales to a particular destination or a small group of companies coming together. We can advise on the best dates, times, cities, etc. to hold your event, as well as manage all invitations, reservations, venue arrangements and attendees. One example of this is the Caribbean Tourism Organization Roadshow, which we helped establish in Ireland in 2015 and is now in its third year.
Hopefully you will have learned something new about TTR – Travel Trade Representation. If you like what you see and would like to know more then please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
