ITTN Launches Irish Travel Trade Awards

Margaret Shannon
Page 9
Sinead Reilly
Page 16
Yvonne Muldoon
Page 22
Jimmy Lennox
Page 23
Sharon Jordan
Page 24
www.ittn.ie
Contents
Managing Editor
Ronan Flood
[email protected]
Editor
Michael Flood
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News and Features Editor
Neil Steedman
[email protected]
Correspondents
Joe Jennings, Gerry Byrne
Advertising and Marketing
Ian Bloomfield
[email protected]
Online Advertising
Hilary Drumm
[email protected]
Online and Social Media
Manus Shortall
[email protected]
Accounts
Ita Moran
Subscriptions
Thecla Fowler
Design and Layout
Hensman Design
Origination and Print
Ryson Print Ltd
Irish Travel Trade News is
published by:
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Calmount Road, Dublin 12, Ireland.
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21st Irish Travel
Trade Awards 2012
The Sun Shines on the
Irish Travel Trade
Interview: Sinead Reilly,
Travelport Ireland
Flight Check: Emirates
Dublin - Dubai - Perth
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Hotel Check: Jumeirah
Emirates Towers, Dubai
Pilgrim’s Trail: Walking to
Santiago de Compostela
United Cup Golf Day at
Carton House
Virgin Atlantic Golf Day
at Carton House
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Industry People:
Sharon Jordan, 1STS
Industry People:
My Dream Destination
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ISSN Number: 0021 – 1419
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© 2012 Belgrave Group Limited
your travel industry voice
3
Editorial
Congratulations to All
Family Fun Day Winners
Irish Travel Trade News congratulates Mark Gough and
Siobhan McCarthy, winners of the 5km Fun Run, Blue
Insurances, winners of the 5-A-Side Football
Tournament and, indeed, all the other race winners at
the inaugural Irish Travel Trade Charity Family Fun Day.
Neil Steedman reports on an event that was enjoyed
by all.
Also in this issue, he interviews Sinead Reilly of
Travelport and reports on Emirates’ B777 service
from Dublin to Perth; Sheila Ryan experiences the
Camino to Santiago; Sharon Jordan of One Stop
Touring Shop answers our questionnaire, and Des
Abbott, John Grehan and Gonzalo Ceballos reveal their
dream destinations.
Like us on Facebook, or Follow us on Twitter to
receive notification of Irish Travel Daily News bulletins
on www.ittn.ie – and subscribe online or email us on
[email protected] to receive Irish Travel
eBulletins alerts and Irish Travel eNews.
Your ITTN Team
Ronan, Michael, Neil, Ian, Hilary and Manus
Maria Slye, Cyprus Tourism
Organisation, and Peter
Ward, Mediterranean Hotel
Collection, on the Cyprus
stand at the Wedding and
Honeymoon Show held at
the RDS, Dublin, on 1st 2nd September 2012.
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irish travel TRADE NEWS
US Federal Judge Finds in Favour of
American Airlines in Antitrust Case
A federal judge in the USA has denied a request by online travel agency Orbitz Worldwide, Sabre Holdings and Travelport to
have a lawsuit filed by American Airlines dismissed.
The suit accuses the companies of antitrust violations.
The decision by US district judge Terry Means in Fort
Worth, Texas, had been under seal and was only made public
following a request by the parties. American Airlines accused
the defendants of monopolising how fares and flights are distributed to travel agents.
Judge Means had previously dismissed some claims by
American Airlines, but he allowed the company to submit a
second amended complaint. In his most recent decision, he
found that American had adequately alleged that the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to preserve their market power.
Emirates Renews DPWorld Tour
Championship Sponsorship
Emirates has strengthened its partnership with The European
Tour by renewing its sponsorship of the golf season’s grand
finale – the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai – which will
see the likes of Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald contest a US$8
million prize fund.
The carrier will be the official airline of The European
Tour’s showpiece event – to be staged on Jumeirah Golf
Estates’ Earth course from 22nd – 25th November – for the
next three years.
Emirates has
renewed its sponsorship of the DP World
Tour Championship,
Dubai, the final
event of The
European Tour season which last year
was won by Spain’s
Alvaro Quiros.
News
Thomas Cook Launches
Wintersun 2012 Programme
Thomas Cook Ireland has a new emphasis on Dubai,
Abu Dhabi and Egypt in its recently launched 2012
Wintersun programme, including a week’s stay in
Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt coupled with a seven-night
Red Sea cruise from €1,059. Early bookers can avail of
free children and granny places, free upgrades, free
hotel overnight at Dublin Airport, and up to €340 off
per booking.
Sharon Harney, Head of Sales and Marketing, said:
“Africa and the Middle East have a lot to offer in winter,
especially the guarantee of sun and warmth, and are
helped by direct flights. This makes the region a good
fit alongside the popular European destinations.
Wherever customers go, good value is universal this
year – not just low prices, but built-on extras such as
our Sunscapes entertainment offering, free overnight
at Bewley’s Dublin Airport Hotel for early bookers, private taxi transfers, and so on.”
Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Madeira and Tunisia are
all well covered this winter, with weekly flights from
Dublin and a choice of over 40 resorts. Thomas Cook’s
new Sunscapes offering at selected properties promises entertainment from sunrise to sunset for adults,
with workouts, pool activities and cocktailmaking by day, and top-class productions,
game shows and cabaret by night.
Even in the depths of winter, visitors to
the UAE can enjoy 24°C temperatures. Fivestar luxury is available from €1,425 for four
nights at the family-friendly Atlantic, The
Palm in Jumeirah, Dubai, with free access
to the Aquaventure Water Park.
Abu Dhabi offers the ultra modern 5-star
Yas Hotel, overlooking the marina and site
of the F1 race, with four-night stays from €1,289.
There is also a nine-night fly cruise taking in Dubai,
Fujairah, Muscat and Abu Dhabi from €1,329.
Egypt is well established as a wintersun destination, with temperatures in the 20°Cs and great allinclusive deals. The Red Sea resort of Sharm el
Sheikh is complemented this winter by a new 14night cruise on the MSC Armonia from Sharm el
Sheikh taking in Safaga/Luxor, Elat in Israel,
Aqaba/Petra in Jordan, and the sulphur springs at
Sokhna, from where clients can visit Gizza, the
Sphinx and the pyramids, from €1,059.
your travel industry voice
5
News
Emirates to Sponsor
RTÉ’s MasterChef
Ireland
Tim Clark, President of Emirates (centre), with MasterChef judges Nick Munier
and Dylan McGrath
Emirates will be the sole sponsor of RTÉ’s MasterChef Ireland when
the award-winning culinary programme returns on RTÉ Two from
October to December, with contestants attempting to impress
Michelin-starred chef Dylan McGrath and restaurateur Nick Munier.
Emirates’ President Tim Clark said: “Our sponsorship of
MasterChef is a great way to directly involve our brand with a spirited, culinary competition of an extraordinary calibre.
“At Emirates we offer all of our customers a unique experience
on board and our award-winning cuisine is an integral part of this
overall experience, whether in the air or on the ground in our
Business Lounges. Our catering team prepares and serves 115,000
fresh meals every day, ensuring that we provide a choice of menus
to cater for all of our international customers and their different
tastes and requirements. We like to think that we know a thing or
two about fine food, so this is a really strong partnership for
Emirates.”
In addition to adverts throughout all programmes, pre-rolls,
mid-rolls and website banners, the sponsorship deal will include
an Emirates-dedicated task, challenging contestants to prepare
and cook a First Class meal with produce that will work at altitude.
This is a first for the programme.
The Emirates judges will be Tim Clark and Robin Padgett, Vice
President, Aircraft Catering. Tim will appear in an episode entitled
‘The Chefs Table’ where he will join seven Michelin-starred Irish chefs
in judging a group of four finalists in highly pressurised conditions.
The Emirates Airline catering facility in Dubai is the largest of its
kind in the world in terms of volume throughput, supplying almost
38 million meals per annum for Emirates flights and an additional
eight million for other airlines. Every year, Emirates’ catering facility uses three million fresh eggs, 26 tonnes of lobster and 1,250
tonnes of chicken products, and bakes over 58 million bread rolls.
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irish travel TRADE NEWS
Hertz Acquires Dollar Thrifty
Hertz has completed the purchase of Dollar Thrifty for approximately US$2.3 billion – about twice what it offered two years
ago – and will sell its existing budget brand, Advantage, to
Franchise Services of North America and Macquarie Capital.
Earlier attempts by Hertz to buy the budget car rental company
were blocked by regulators.
Mark Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “We
will be a stronger global competitive player with a full range of
rental options not only in the USA but in Europe and other markets, given Dollar Thrifty's strong international presence.”
Hertz also recently announced partnerships to give global
car rental benefits to frequent flyers with Turkish Airlines and
Royal Jordanian.
The merger of Hertz and Dollar Thrifty will save about $160
million a year and Hertz said it would enable it to expand. The
deal will leave just three major players – Hertz, Avis Budget and
Enterprise – controlling the majority of the US car rental market.
WTM BRICS Conference
Focuses on China
China will be the focal point of this year’s BRICS events at World
Travel Market 2012, as the country becomes one of the biggest
inbound and outbound tourism markets.
Two China Business Network sessions appraising China’s
tourism industry will be held on Tuesday 6th November, starting with a talk on inbound tourism, which has grown to make
the country the world’s fourth biggest market for foreign
tourists.
With the destination being the size of Europe, an expert
panel will discuss not only how to get the best out of a visit to
the country but also the Chinese Government’s own recognition of the importance of tourism and its plans to drive the
industry further.
The panel will be chaired by Dr Adam Wu, the Chief
Operating Office of the China Business Network, a consortium
of organisations specialising in business consultancy and targeted marketing services for Chinese and foreign authorities.
News
Uniworld
Launches 2013 Europe
and Russia Brochure
Uniworld is showcasing new destinations, including Italy, new itineraries and six new ships in its 2013
Europe and Russia Boutique River
Cruises programme. In 2013,
Uniworld will offer river cruising in
Italy, along the Po River and the
Venice Lagoon. “Our clients always
state that this is one of the destinations they would like Uniworld to
offer, so we are delighted we will in
2013,” said Sharon Jordan.
The Splendours of Italy combines a seven-night river cruise
along the Po River and the Venice
Lagoon with a two-night land stay in Florence and three nights in
Rome. For those travellers who only wish to do the cruise portion,
Uniworld will offer a cruise-only option for eight days, Venice & the
Po River.
Other new Europe itineraries include Grand Danube & Prague,
a 14-night cruise exploring seven countries, including five
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irish travel TRADE NEWS
UNESCO Heritage Sites, and Highlights of Eastern Europe, sailing
through five countries – Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and
Serbia – on an eight-day cruise.
Also in 2013, Uniworld will continue its tradition of excellence
and leadership on the Douro River in Portugal by introducing its
latest luxury build, the Queen Isabel. The Queen Isabel will have a
more classic Old World style and elegance similar to Uniworld’s
other ships in Europe, which are all
uniquely designed and decorated.
For those wishing to travel to
Asia, Uniworld will offer two new luxury ships in China, Century Legend
and Century Paragon, on the
Yangtze, and in Vietnam, the new
River Orchid, on the Mekong.
Uniworld’s focus in Asia is on 5-star
accommodations with superb
onshore hotels, including Ritz
Carlton and Shangri La properties.
Looking beyond 2013, Uniworld
will continue excellence in uniquely
designed boutique river cruise ships
with two new state-of-the-art luxury
ships: the SS Alexandra and the SS Catherine, which are set to
launch in spring 2014.
Uniworld is offering savings for 2013 departures: Pay in full at
time of booking and save up to €1,800 per couple, or book and pay
deposit at time of reservation and save up to €700 per couple on
2013 Europe Boutique River Cruises.
News
Emirates Considers
Double Daily on
Dublin – Dubai
Emirates President Tim Clark and Margaret Shannon, Country Manager Ireland, in
the new head office with Karolin Tamaddon, Customer Sales & Service Agent
On a recent visit to Dublin to
view Emirates’ new head
office at 2 Hume Street,
Dublin 2, and to meet the
staff, the airline’s President,
Tim Clark, told Neil
Steedman of Irish Travel
Trade News: “Demand on
our new Dublin – Dubai
route has been incredible,
The entrance to Emirates’ Dublin Town
given the Irish economy,
Office at 2 Hume Street
and our 360-seat B777,
which we introduced sooner than expected on 1st May to
replace the initial 237-seat A330 is also already proving to be a
‘problem child’.”
He declined to predict when the route would go double
daily, but confirmed that the
airline would do that rather
than increase frequency to,
say, 10 times a week.
He also told ITTN that
the onward service from
Dubai to Perth, also currently operated by a B777, could
be expanded to an A380
service by as early as April
next year.
The public booking office
“A Wine Time to Sail to France”
– Irish Ferries
This autumn, Irish Ferries is uncorking its shopping breaks
to Cherbourg, ideal for passengers stocking up on their
favourite wines and beers. Return fares begin at €142pp for
four adults and a car travelling from 1st September or
€118pp sailing from 1st October.
Coupled with a choice of four wine stores and two hypermarkets, these offers include two nights on board the luxury cruise ferry ‘Oscar Wilde’ and one night’s ensuite room
sharing in Hotel Campanile with continental breakfast.
Additional nights are available.
Accommodation: There are more than 12 budget hotels in
Dubai, with chains including Holiday Inn Express (ichotelsgroup.com), Premier Inn (global.premierinn.com) and Ibis
(ibishotel.com). Over 45% of the rooms in Dubai are 3-star or
below (hotels) or ‘standard’ (apartments) while the remainder are
4/5-star and ‘deluxe’ – there is a hotel, apartment or guesthouse
to suit every budget.
Transport: Air-conditioned taxis (hailed on the street or prebooked by telephone), Dubai Metro (with air-conditioned carriages) and abras (traditional wooden boats across Dubai Creek)
provide inexpensive ways to navigate the city. Free shuttle buses
connect many hotels with attractions, malls and the beaches.
Shopping: Shopping in Dubai is synonymous with luxury
brands, however, many malls offer big name brands at reduced,
tax-free prices, annual shopping festivals offer substantial discounts, and the Dubai Outlet Mall has 240 stores offering 30% –
90% discounts. Dubai’s traditional Arabian souks (gold, spices,
textiles, fruit and fish) are great places to haggle for a bargain.
Cuisine: Dining out in Dubai is a pleasure, with literally thousands of affordable venues to choose from. For €12.50 – €25.00
per person try Japengo Café, Madinat Jumeirah; Fibber Magee’s,
Sheikh Zayed Road; or any More café. Popular Friday brunch venues include Traiteur, Park Hyatt; Marketplace, JW Marriott; and
The Wharf, Mina A’Salam. Shopping malls offer a range of ‘cheap
eats’, while street stalls and local bistros offer visitors the chance
to sample local specialties at very reasonable rates.
Attractions: Entertainment and sport in Dubai can be free or
low cost. There is free access to the spectacular Dubai Fountain,
to public beaches and parks, horse races, camel racing, and paddle surfing lessons (on Fridays). An abra across the Creek costs
25c, the Dubai Museum 63c, and the Dubai Aquarium and
Underwater Zoo just €10. It is also free to view the aquarium
from outside with daily feeding times.
your travel industry voice
9
News
Happy Days
Beckett Festival in
Enniskillen
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irish travel TRADE NEWS
Enniskillen, situated on an
island in Lough Erne, Co
Fermanagh, is one of only
four towns in Northern
Ireland to be gifted with
a Purple Flag award,
writes Joe Jennings. This
award is accredited for
town centres at night,
recognising them as
night-time
destinations that are “clean,
safe and convivial,
with something for
everyone” – and
Enniskillen offers golf,
boating,
angling,
water sports and holiday accommodation to suit all tastes,
and excellent restaurants.
I visited Enniskillen to sample its first Happy Days Enniskillen
International Beckett Festival. It augurs well for what is planned to
be an annual August festival. Seán Doran, the Derry-born founder
and artistic director, said that the idea of the multi-arts festival is
to celebrate Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett, his works and
influences. Beckett was educated at Portora Royal School in
Enniskillen, as was Oscar Wilde before him.
A number of Beckett’s humorous dramas and his deep passion for many art forms, including the music of Haydn, Schubert
and Beethoven (performed by the Vienna Piano Trio), were featured. Talks were given by Edna O’Brien, David Soul who read
Assumption and Fizzle 2, Paul Muldoon, John Banville among
others. The legendary traditional fiddle player Tommy Peoples
gave a talk, interspersed with fiddle tunes and songs, in a performance inspired by Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tapes.
On Devenish Island, close to Enniskillen, are the remains of a
monastery founded by St Molaise (pronounced Mullosh) in the
5th century. He was also the Abbot of his first foundation on
Innishmurry Island in Sligo, near Grange. I reached Devenish by
the MV Kestrel skippered by Stephen Nixon. It’s a ‘must see’ trip.
I stayed in the 4-star Manor House hotel and golf course.
During World War 2 it was used as a billet for officers of the US and
Canadian Air Forces. A few miles away, at Castle Archdale, were
based the Catalinas and Sunderlands, flying boats used by the
Allies to hunt for U-boats. As a young schoolboy in Grange, I used
to see the flying boats practice their combat training daily in the
Atlantic near Innishmurry – they were permitted to use an air corridor to access their base in Lough Erne.
(Further information: discovernorthernireland.com)
News
Dubai Bucks Irish
Travel Trend in Q2
Despite tourism figures highlighting a decline in Irish outbound travel during Q2, Dubai continued to perform strongly
as a destination, reporting a 25% increase in guest nights during the quarter.
According to the latest report issued by the Department of
Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), hotel and apartment guest numbers in Q2 were up 8,941 from 7,131 in 2011.
Figures also show an overall 25% increase in guest nights
in Q2 and specifically a 17% surge in guest nights in selfcatering apartments. The significant
rise in the popularity of apartments
can be attributed to the growing
appeal of Dubai among the family
market, as an increasing range of
accommodation options gives families
even more flexibility and makes holidays more affordable.
Ian Scott, DTCM Director UK and
Ireland, said: “We are delighted with the
Irish results for Q2, and confident that
guest numbers will continue to be positive throughout the year. Increasingly,
families are realising that Dubai can
offer them a fun and affordable family
Ian Scott, Director UK and
Ireland, Government of
holiday with a relatively short flight time
Dubai Department of
of only seven hours.”
Tourism and Commerce
Marketing
Dubai currently has the largest number of new hotel rooms under development in the Middle East and Africa region. According to a
recent study by STR Global, Dubai has over 11,000 rooms
under development, 4,000 of which are set to open by the end
of the year.
In January of this year, Emirates launched a direct daily
service from Dublin to the emirate that reduced flight time to
7.5 hours. Flights depart at 13.50 from Dublin, arriving at 00.25
in Dubai. The return flight from Dubai departs at 07.00 and
arrives in Dublin at 12.15.
For further information on Dubai visit: www.uk.definitelydubai.com
Tenerife with Cassidy Travel in
Summer 2013
Cassidy Travel will be offering Tenerife next summer with a new
direct service from Dublin from 24th May – 20th September
2013. Properties will include the Holiday Village and
Splashworld, Parque Cristabel, Siam Park and Villa Mandi plus a
selection of self-catering, half-board and all-inclusive options.
John Spollen said: “There is a huge amount of demand for
Tenerife and Cassidy Travel will be taking deposits from only €75.”
your travel industry voice
11
Join in the 21
Irish Travel Trade Awards 2012
The Irish Travel Trade Awards celebrate their 21st Anniversary this year and
– on Friday 30th November in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin
THE NUMEROUS INDUSTRY PRINCIPALS WHO
ATTENDED LAST YEAR’S EVENT WERE EFFUSIVE IN
THEIR PRAISE – AND THIS YEAR’S 21ST
ANNIVERSARY EVENT WILL BE EVEN BETTER!
AWARD CATEGORIES
The 25 categories for the 2012 Irish Travel Trade Awards,
which reward excellence in product and service as voted
by Irish travel agents North and South, will include Best
Resort Transfer Company, Best Theme Park Destination,
Best Dynamic Packaging System and Best Travel Insurance
Company.
IRISH TRAVEL INDUSTRY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE
YEAR AWARD
In addition to the presentation of these prestigious Awards,
12
irish travel TRADE NEWS
“Despite tough times in the sector, the travel industry celebrated
the best in the business at the Irish Travel Trade Awards last
night. The glitzy ceremony and inaugural Irish Travel Industry
Christmas Party, held in the Burlington Hotel, played host to
the top names in travel, all vying for coveted prizes at the
end-of-year bash.” – Mark Evans, Travel Editor, Evening Herald.
the Irish Travel Industry Christmas Party is also the occasion
for the presentation of the Irish Travel Industry Entrepreneur
of the Year Award, organised by Irish Travel Trade News in
partnership with the Association of Foreign Airlines.
In an innovation this year, you will have an opportunity to
nominate your own candidate for this Award, with the
three individuals or companies receiving the most nominations being added to three nominations by the
Association of Foreign Airlines and three by ITTN for the
final selection process.
st Celebrations!
Irish Travel Trade Awards 2012
the presentations to the winners at the Irish Travel Industry Christmas Party
2 – will be the highlight of the Irish travel industry calendar.
“This is an absolutely fabulous evening
and is one of the best I have been to – I
have met lots of people whom I haven’t
seen for a while.” – Alan Sparling, SAS
“I am absolutely amazed by the buzz, the
excitement and the great atmosphere that has
been created.”
“The night is a great success and
everyone is enjoying themselves.”
– Christine Donnelly, Falcon/Thomson Holidays
“A great night.” – Dominic Burke, Travel Centres
– Justin Warby, Etihad Airways, Main Sponsor
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
This exciting event presents every supplier company to
the Irish travel industry with a variety of sponsorship
opportunities. For details, contact Ian Bloomfield
([email protected]) or Hilary Drumm ([email protected]) or call 01 450 2422.
TABLE BOOKINGS
Friday 30th November 2012 is going to be a special night
at the Burlington Hotel, so make sure the Irish Travel
Industry Christmas Party is in your diary and book
your places now!
A table of 12 costs €1,500.00 + VAT,
a table of 10 costs €1,250.00 + VAT,
and a single booking costs €125.00 + VAT.
Contact Manus Shorthall
[email protected]
or call 01 450 2422.
your travel industry voice
13
Family Fun Day
The Sun Shines on Irish Travel Trade
Participants in the 5k Fun Run warm up on the track with Irish amateur boxer Conor Ahern.
After a week of decidedly ‘mixed’ weather, the sun chose to shine brightly on
Saturday 1st September for the inaugural Irish Travel Trade Charity Family Fun
Day held at the ALSAA Sport Club in Dublin Airport.
The race begins.
About 400 people, including many children,
attended the successful event, which was held
in aid of two worthy charities, the Irish
Cancer Society and Pieta House, and
organised by six Irish travel trade companies: Blue Insurances, Etihad Airways,
Royal Caribbean International, Sunway,
Travelport, and United.
Fun for Children
The main emphasis of the day’s events was Family
Fun and there was much to entertain the many
children who attended, with bouncy castles, face
painting, a giant Connect 4 game, Giant Jenga
sumo wrestling, and running, potato and spoon,
and sack races for various age groups.
5km Fun Run
Mark is congratulated by Dominic
and Bernie Burke of Travel Centres.
There was plenty of bounce in
one castle…
Some 50 runners joined former Ireland and
Leinster rugby star Shane Horgan and Irish
amateur boxer Conor Ahern on the ALSAA
running track for a warm-up session before
the first event of the day, the 5km Fun Run.
After the ‘off’ the runners were joined by several children and some adult walkers, so we are
not sure how many finished the full course. To
some participants’ surprise, and for the record,
the ‘5km’ run was actually 5.74km (3.57
miles), which may have contributed to the
well spread out arrivals at the finishing line!
First to pass the flag was Mark Gough,
while the first woman to cross the line was
Siobhan McCarthy.
…and more in the other.
5-A-Side Soccer
The 5-A-Side football tournament attracted
a good selection of teams and great fun
was had by all who participated – along
with the spectators.
The winning team was Blue
Insurances.
14
irish travel TRADE NEWS
A giant Connect 4 was also on hand.
Family Fun Day
At the Giant Jenga sumo wrestling mat, referees/minders Dominic and Bernie Burke of Travel Centres
managed to get two participants standing in their suits and helmets…
The 3- and 4-year-olds line up for their race.
…but not for long!
‘Egg and spoon’ actually meant ‘potato and spoon’ … but some
runners dispensed with both!
Finally, they were in the sack…
Referee Rowan Devereux of Blue Insurances got the 5-ASide tournament going.
…and jumping!
Face paintings could be dark…
…or bright.
Ron Boersma and Patrick Byrne quietly prepare in the BBQ tent for the rush.
your travel industry voice
15
Interview
Sinead Reilly, Country Manager, Travelport Ireland
Appointing an additional sales team member and new product roll-outs are
on the pre-Christmas agenda, Sinead Reilly tells ITTN’s Neil Steedman.
“I’ll be in the office from 7.30am,” Sinead Reilly
informs me when we schedule an interview for
8.30am. Sinead lives in Drumconrath, Co Meath,
and drives into Travelport Ireland’s central
Dublin office, so an early start avoids the traffic. Besides, she says: “If you don’t get in a few
hours first, you are playing catch-up throughout the day!”
“Our motto
here is ‘Make
it Happen’
and we are
committed
to doing
exactly that.”
What has changed for you as a result of your
appointment as Country Manager?
I was out on maternity leave when Dave Walsh handed
in his notice and I got a call from Simon Ferguson. The
appointment process was a long one from February
until I took over in June, including a global public tender and four interviews – a day-long one in Langley,
Berkshire, was gruelling but it made me realise how
much I wanted the position.
Personally, it means I get less sleep! Our house is busy
at 6.00am every morning – it means being organised and
everything runs like clockwork (most of the time!).
Professionally, the move is a natural progression for
my career. I joined Travelport Ireland in August 2005
from Sunway Holidays and my extensive industry
experience includes American Express (in Australia),
Irish Travel Partners, USIT, and Michael Stein Travel.
The most important thing for me is listening to
what our customers need and making sure that our
products and services are tailored to meet those
needs. I aim to meet every agent, North and South,
within the first 12 months and I meet at least one a day,
sometimes up to five.
Is the team changing?
Staff numbers have increased by eight in the past year
and another will be appointed to the sales team before
Christmas – the role is now being finalised before we
advertise the position.
Of our three Key Account Managers, Catherine
Brennan looks after large Worldspan accounts in
Dublin and the North; David Conlon has multi-nationals and the South; Joanne Madden leisure agents and
the West. Naomi Byrne is Sales Support Executive and
Charlie Brown is Technical Services Consultant.
We are also lucky to have the support of Global
Operations team members based in the Travelport
Ireland office: Fergal Kelly, VP Product Portfolios;
Geraldine Goodman, Senior Director Operations;
Deirdre Finnegan, Global Account Manager; Harmail
Sandhu, Senior API Analyst; Aideen Farrell, Senior
Solutions Manager; and the Supplier Support Team of
Conal Ronayne (Team Leader), Thierry Hengst, Paul
16
irish travel TRADE NEWS
Kearney, Kyla Croasdell, Karine Aytan-Gigan, and
Sharon Lyons.
Dublin was selected over Atlanta or London and
Travelport has identified Ireland as a source of talented,
well educated and extremely dedicated employees.
How does business divide between GDS and nonGDS applications, and is there any difference North
and South?
About 85% of Travelport Ireland’s business is GDSrelated and our Travelport Total product sits in 306
offices island-wide. It has been a phenomenal success
and will see further developments as the year progresses.
VNett, our credit card payment solution, is being
used countrywide by Travelport and non-Travelport
customers alike. They are making real savings on their
payment systems and have efficient reporting functions on credit card payments. We are delighted at the
amounts paid out to agents who have embraced
VNett and are using it to their best advantage!
Smartpoint is at 95% adoption across Ireland –
which is 30% higher than our EU average.
The main difference I notice between North and
South is that Northern agents tend to pick up the phone
more than email compared to agents in the Republic as
business is even more relationship-based there.
What product developments are imminent?
Universal Desktop is in beta test with FCm including a
full-week training programme this month. We are also
running Smartpoint training sessions every week for
the next couple of months.
Universal API, which will be the focus of a UK conference at end-October, is in direct development with
some of our largest Irish customers – and also with
third-party solutions providers, so it will be available to
almost all agents in the coming months.
Over 4,000 users in 306 offices across Ireland use
Travelport Total to access tour operator content, which
we will be increasing in coming months.
Finally, what are your main priorities?
Our motto here is ‘Make it Happen’ and we are committed to doing exactly that. From Travelport
Cruisenet to VNett to Journey Reporter we have something for everyone in the market – and we’ll be out
across Ireland in the coming months to make sure that
everyone knows that!
In particular, our E-Pricing fares platform is the
best in the market. Consumers are shopping around
like never before and we need to ensure that we continue to provide the best fares to our agency partners.”
Flight + Hotel Check
Emirates B777 Business Class,
Dublin-Dubai-Perth
Neil Steedman
Emirates Business Class
Lounge at Dubai Airport
Terminal 3
Emirates Business Class with a stopover in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai is an
ideal, relaxing way to travel from Dublin to Perth, Western Australia, reports ITTN’s
News and Features Editor, Neil Steedman.
Western Australia’s capital city has a
healthy economy and is attracting many
Irish emigrants, particularly in the construction and mining industries, so business and VFR traffic between Dublin and
Perth is booming. Emirates’ daily Dublin
– Dubai service, which started last
January, was upgraded in May to a
Boeing 777-300ER, while the airline’s
twice-daily Dubai – Perth service is a
B777-300ER or B777-200LR.
Emirates’ President Tim Clark
told me last month (before the Emirates
/ Qantas partnership was announced)
that there could be an A380 on Dubai –
Perth by April 2013 (which happens to
be when the partnership is due to commence!).
My Business Class booking for end-July
was made very efficiently by Emirates’
Dublin head office, including seat selections and Dubai overnight hotels in
each direction. The return fare was
€3,731.55,
including
€96.55
taxes/fees/charges.
Premium passengers can avail of a free chauffeur-drive to and from Dublin Airport. For First Class
there is no distance restriction within the island of
Ireland. For Business Class there is a maximum 70km
radius from the airport, with any excess at €1.75 per
kilometre payable by credit card to the driver.
T2 Check-in and Lounge
Emirates Business Class
Full-flat Bed on Boeing 777
18
irish travel TRADE NEWS
For premium passengers, check-in at Terminal 2 is
up to 90 minutes prior to departure (three hours for
Economy). Emirates has nine check-in desks – one
First, one Business, five
Economy, and two Online
Checked-in. Business Class
check-in was swift, efficient and
friendly, with my Australia
eVisitor visa already on computer (earlier delivered online within four hours of application).
There was a queue for Economy
check-in but First and Business
desks, when free, were checking
those passengers in and the queue was moving
quite swiftly.
Staff confirmed my preferred seat (6A) for the
Dubai sector and 9K, with 6A on reserve, for the
Perth sector, and also reminded me to collect my
hotel voucher at the Emirates ticket desk – which I
would probably have forgotten about. I was travelling light, but for the record the Business Class baggage allowance is 40kg.
Currently, Emirates uses the DAA Executive
Lounge so, having passed swiftly through
FastTrack security (I must get a belt that you don’t
have to take off ) and having obtained a quick
shoeshine, I relaxed over a newspaper, vegetable
soup, cheese and crackers.
Dublin – Dubai
Flight EK162 was scheduled to depart at 13.50 –
and actually departed at 13.51. When I boarded at
13.20 cabin crew hung up my jacket and offered
champagne, wine or orange juice, then a hot towel.
The Business Class cabin is light and spacious, with
‘stars’ in the ceiling, there are electrically operated
window shades/blinds, and the 200cm-long (79”)
flat bed seats with mini mattress, in a 2x3x2 configuration, are very comfortable. There is a pull-up privacy screen between seat pairs.
(First Class has private suites or 2x2x2 flat bed
seats, depending on the specific aircraft, while
Economy Class is 3x4x3 – except rows 46-48 which
are 2x4x2.)
Seatback SMS, email, satellite phone and in-seat
power source are provided in First and Business.
With up to 1,400 channels of on-demand movies,
TV shows, video games, music and news, Emirates’
ice inflight entertainment system with large
widescreens means the flight time passes quickly,
whether its 7h30m to Dubai or 10h40m onward to
Perth.
Meals are available on demand and the lunch /
dinner menus on both outbound sectors offered
four starters, three mains and four desserts, with
tea/coffee and chocolates. The wine menus offered
a champagne, two whites, two reds and a port –
with only the port being the same on both sectors.
My Dubai-bound Tuna Tataki, Shrimp Curry and
Cheese Board were excellent and were accompa-
Flight + Hotel Check
nied by a Penfold’s Kalmina Shiraz 2008. When I tried,
and disliked, the Arabic Mezze starter for the Perthbound dinner, it was quickly replaced with a tasty
Lentil and Spinach Soup, and the Stir-fried Black
Bean Chicken was followed by a Rich Chocolate and
Orange Pot that was to die for.
Cabin crew were attentive but non-intrusive
throughout the flight and kept me topped up with
orange juice and assorted nuts. If you want alcohol,
the bar service is extensive.
We arrived in Dubai 15 minutes early at 00.10 but
there was a 15-minute bus transfer from the stand to
Terminal 3.
Dubai Stopover
There is an onward flight to Perth at 02.55 but I was
overnighting at the Le Meridien Hotel, five minutes
free transfer away, and taking flight EK424 to Perth at
10.05. Terminal 3 is clean, spacious and efficient, with
the First/Business Class chauffeur service to the right
just before exiting.
The hotel has a separate entrance and check-in
for premium transit passengers and check-in and
check-out were swift and the room and bed fine. I
booked an 07.00 wake-up call but also set my phone
alarm, which was prudent as the call came at 07.30!
Dubai - Perth
Back at the Business Class terminal I attempted to
pass through the gate with my Dublin-provided
boarding pass, but it didn’t work and had to go back
to a desk to get a replacement. The same happened
on my return trip – perhaps this was because I
overnighted in both directions?
Emirates provides separate First and Business
Class lounges in Terminal 3, the latter including a
spa, quiet area, wi-fi, extensive seating, and an excellent buffet. The sooner Emirates opens its own
lounge(s) at Dublin Airport the better.
My onward flight EK424 was scheduled to depart
at 10.05, pulled back at 10.02 and arrived in Perth 30
minutes early at 00.25 the following morning.
Perth – Dublin
For my return trip, Emirates check-in staff at Perth
were friendly and efficient, changing the seat to my
preferred 6A. On boarding the adjoining seat was
empty and cabin crew asked would I mind moving
as a couple wanted to sit together, so I moved across
to 6K – however, the adjoining seat there was also
empty. Maybe they wanted to sit together and on
the left!
I made a stopover in Dubai (see panel) and on
checking in for Dublin I received a free upgrade to
First Class. This comprised the flat bed seats rather
than the private suites available on some B777 aircraft,
but does provide more space than Business Class.
However, Emirates B777 Business Class is an
excellent product and is highly recommended.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai
On my return trip I made an 18-hour stopover in
Dubai organised through Arabian Adventures,
including a city tour of top
hotels and a stay at the
Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
The meet-and-greet, city
tour and airport transfers provided by Arabian Adventures
were first class – as is the
Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
This
twin-triangulartower 5-star business hotel is
located 15-minutes drive
from the airport alongside
Sheikh Zayed Road, minutes
walk from Dubai’s international financial centre
and a Dubai Metro station, and a short drive to the
beaches.
One of the 350-metre towers provides offices, the
other the 400-bedroom hotel, either side of a central
podium comprising the Boulevard, with a wide range
of impressive shops and restaurants. The hotel’s atrium lobby with glass lifts is spectacular.
There’s a choice of seven room categories, each
with modern European style décor and furnishings,
from 44 sqm Deluxe Rooms, Club Premier Rooms (63
sqm) with Club Lounge, Deluxe and Club Suites (87
sqm) and connectable to one or two Deluxe Rooms,
two-bedroom Presidential Suites (225-250 sqm) with
butler service, and the three-bedroom Royal Suite
(312 sqm) with Arabic and European style décor.
The Jumeirah Emirates Towers also has the
Middle East’s first hotel floor exclusively for women,
launched in association with Chopard, and is only
serviced by female colleagues and caters to the privacy and comfort of female
executive travellers.
There are four signature
restaurants – including The Rib
Room in which I had a most
pleasant dinner, eight casual
dining restaurants and four
bars, including Vu’s Bar on
Level 51 at 312 metres, which
unfortunately was closed as
my stay was during Ramadan.
The Jumeirah Emirates Towers is a great place to
stay and it’s well worth checking out special offers on
www.jumeirah.com. These include weekend and winter breaks, golf packages (with complimentary golf
club hire), and even a ‘Babymoon Package’ for expecting couples!
Jumeirah Emirates
Towers Exterior
“The
meet-andgreet, city
tour and airport transfers
provided by
Arabian
Adventures
were first
class – as is
the Jumeirah
Emirates
Towers.”
Jumeirah Emirates Towers
- Deluxe King Room
your travel industry voice
19
Spain
A Pilgrim’s Trail:
Walking to Santiago de Compostela
Sheila Ryan
Catedral desde el
Palacio de Raxoi
Santiago de Compostela has attracted visitors since the 9th century when a hermit unearthed the
relics of St James the Apostle, creating a centre of worship for Christians around Europe, writes
Sheila Ryan. Thousands of pilgrims still journey on foot to Santiago de Compostela each year, but
these pilgrims represent only 5% of the total visitor numbers. While following in the footsteps of the
medieval pilgrims requires the commitment of a few weeks, direct flights from Dublin to Santiago de
Compostela make the town a very do-able short break destination or a centre for exploring Galicia.
pass through the baroque
squares far below, peering
through windows at the
gilt statues on the tip-top
of the altar and seeing the
façade of the cathedral
from behind. It is a not-tobe-missed experience for
anybody visiting Santiago
de Compostela.
Incense Censer
The clouds of
incense that
fill the air had
a practical
function in
the days
when the
gallery of the
cathedral
provided
overnight
lodging for
hundreds of
unwashed
pilgrims.
20
irish travel TRADE NEWS
For most visitors, the centre of Santiago de
Compostela is the old town, and the centre of the
old town is the cathedral. The work of centuries,
the cathedral is medieval with Renaissance extensions and a baroque façade. But what you really
want to see is the roof. I climbed the 100-plus steps
to the lofty heights of the cathedral, passing the
gallery where medieval pilgrims often spent the
night after arriving at the shrine.
A door opens on to the roof, with sublime
views of the city and surrounding countryside, as
well as vertiginous drops to the streets below. The
gently sloping roof was designed to allow soldiers
to move around easily. Our guide points out the
battlements around the edges and explains that
the cathedral had a defensive function at a time of
war between Christendom and the spreading influence of the Moors.
The cathedral roof tour gives a special perspective on the city and the cathedral, watching people
Back at ground level, I am
lucky enough to be in the
cathedral on one of the
special occasions when the
enormous incense censer,
said to be the largest in the
world, is lit. Eight men work
the pulley until the censer
flies across the transept at
a speed of 65km/h and
almost hits the vaulted
ceiling of the cathedral. The clouds of incense that
fill the air had a practical function in the days when
the gallery of the cathedral provided overnight
lodging for hundreds of unwashed pilgrims.
Back inside the cathedral I join a queue to view
the relics of the saint. Whether you believe the
bones in the golden casket, authenticated by a 9th
century bishop, are really those of the apostle is a
matter of faith, and perhaps it does not even matter. A longer queue forms for the chance to
embrace the statue of St James, a tradition that
grew up when the relics were hidden away during
Renaissance times.
Statues of St James most often depict him in
the garb of the pilgrim, wearing a wide-brimmed
sun hat and scallop shell and carrying a staff. Today
pilgrims still identify themselves with the scallop
shell of St James, although Nordic walking poles
are as commonly seen as the long wooden staff. In
the square outside the cathedral modern-day pil-
Spain
grims gather, and there is a euphoric atmosphere as
they mark the end of their long journeys.
In medieval times the pilgrimage was a penance
for sins and a chance of absolution, but modern pilgrims make the journey for many reasons. For some
it is a physical challenge, others like the idea of taking part in an historic tradition. Some pilgrims are at
a crossroads in their lives and are seeking a spiritual
experience, but looking beyond the church. Many
who have walked the Camino say it has changed
their lives.
Commitment to the Camino de Santiago ranges
from people who fly into the city and do some guided
day walks to those who step out of their front doors
and walk from there (traditionally the journey for Irish
people begins at St James’s Gate in Dublin). To be considered a true pilgrim, a person must begin their walk
at least 100km from the cathedral.
While the journey can begin anywhere, various
routes have become recognised. The most popular is
the French Way, starting in St Jean Pied de Port, a small
town in the French Pyrenees. The English Way was traditionally the one followed by English and Irish pilgrims who would land in either of the ports of A
Coruna or Ferrol.
Official pilgrims’ refuges offer basic accommodation
every 20km or so along the various ways, and there are
also many private guesthouses and hotels. Advance
booking is advised during the busy summer months
and organised tours are available. However those who
travel in spring and autumn and walk independently
have the luxury of remaining flexible and deciding
when to stop for the night and when to walk on.
Galician Cuisine
After walking 100km and visiting the shrine of St
James, most pilgrims’ thoughts will turn to the
prospect of a good meal, and Galicia is known for its
good quality food, simply prepared. It is said that
Galician cuisine has not evolved because the natural
flavours are so good they do not need to be embellished.
Restaurants often have an ‘open menu’, where
the meal is decided on after a discussion with the
waiter rather than chosen from a list. Seafood and
beef are equally popular, and everything comes
with potatoes. It is no wonder that Santiago de
Compostela is increasingly popular with Irish people. The rolling green hills and relaxed attitude feel
like home, although the sudden changes in weather
are less welcome reminders of Ireland.
On the return flight to Dublin people were busy
swapping stories of their adventures on the Camino.
Some were already planning their next trip to go
further along this historic trail or to begin the pilgrimage again at a different point and re-experience
the joy, and pain, of walking to Santiago de
Compostela.
The rolling
green hills
and relaxed
attitude feel
like home,
although the
sudden
changes in
weather are
less welcome
reminders of
Ireland.
Camino at a Glance
* In 2011 more than 183,000 pilgrims came to
Santiago de Compostela, of whom 2,700 were
Irish.
* To be considered a pilgrim a person must walk
the last 100km or cycle the last 200km to the
cathedral.
* A Holy Year occurs when St James’s day, 25th
July, falls on a Sunday, bringing increased
numbers of visitors to the city.
* The last Holy Year was in 2010; the next Holy
Year will be 2021.
* More than 50% of pilgrims are aged between
30 and 60.
Reference Books
Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago, John
Brierley – a comprehensive guide book to walking the Camino
I'm Off Then: Losing and Finding Myself on the
Camino de Santiago, Hape Kerkeling – an account
of walking the French route by a popular German
comedian
Buen Camino!: A Father-Daughter Journey from
Croagh Patrick to Santiago De Compostela,
Natasha and Peter Murtagh – the story of an Irish
father and his 18-year-old daughter and their
900km pilgrimage together
The Camino: A Journey of the Spirit, Shirley
MacLaine – a personal account of the Oscar-winning actress’s journey along the Camino
The Pilgrimage: A Contemporary Quest for
Ancient Wisdom, Paulo Coelho – a mysterious
account of the trials of the author and his mentor
as they traverse the Camino in search of a miraculous sword.
your travel industry voice
21
United
‘Team South’ Wins United
Cup at Carton House
‘Team South’ captained by Jimmy Lennox comfortably beat ‘Team North’
captained by Jonathan Adair to win the coveted United Cup at Carton
House, with a decisive score of 7.5 to 1.5, on a marvellous day for golf –
with somewhat different weather from last year’s! Both captain’s
announced their successors for 2013.
Team North and Team South are
United at Carton House
Pat Reede, Yvonne Muldoon and
Aoife Gregg of United present the
trophy and the prizes
Team South Captain Jimmy
Lennox accepts the United Cup
from Yvonne Muldoon and Barry
Jackson of United
Yvonne Lennox, United’s Sales Manager Ireland,
said: “We have been absolutely blessed with the
weather today – after the sheets of rain last year!
Thanking
Team North
for coming
down, she
a d d e d :
“Maybe we
will
go
North next
year!”
Jonathan
Adair said of
C a r t o n
House: “You
can bring us
down here
any
time
you like!”.
Succinctly admitting that “We got stuffed”, he said
that he had been delighted to represent the team
as Captain for the past two years and announced
that Jimmy Murphy would be taking over the role
next year. Team South will be captained next year
by John Cassidy.
Longest Drive – a Ladies Bulova watch and a set of
aircraft cufflinks: Stephen McKenna of Atlas
Travel/GoHop.
Nearest the Pin – a Cross pen: Brian McCluskey of
Oasis Travel.
Birdie Prize – a four-ball game at Carton House:
Michael Doorley of Shandon Travel.
The happy winning team
Individual Prize Winners
A draw was held to select a team
member from the winning team, with
the prize of two tickets to Washington
DC on United, including three nights
at the Dupont Circle Hotel, going to
Philip Airey of Sunway.
Best Individual Score – two tickets
to New York on United, including
three nights in a one-bedroom suite
at the Beacon Hotel: Damien Murphy
of Terra Travel.
22
irish travel TRADE NEWS
Still happy despite the result were Jonathan Ritchie, Terence Murphy,
Damian Murphy, Jonathan Adair (Team North Captain), Peter
McMinn, Neil Walker, and Stephen Aston
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Golf Winners
Off to Kissammee
Jimmy Lennox of World Travel Centre and Michael Doorley of
Shandon Travel were the winners of the Virgin Atlantic Golf Day in
Carton House and will hence will play in the Champion of Champions
competition in Kissammee, Florida, USA.
Colin Brodie of Visit Florida with Sabrina
Cusack, Virgin Atlantic
Noel McAuliffe, Travel Focus; Colin Brodie, Visit Florida; Chris Hawkins,
Tropical Sky; Terry Smith, Virgin Atlantic; Michael Jay, Cellet Travel Services;
and Mike Friend, Virgin Atlantic
Winners Jimmy Lennox of World Travel Centre and Michael
Doorley, Shandon Travel (second right), with Janice Scott, Head
of European Sales, Virgin Atlantic, and Michael Jay, Cellet Travel
Services / Visit Kissimmee
Extending the usual Virgin Atlantic hospitality at
Carton House for the airline’s Golf Day, Janice
Scott and Terry Smith were in fine form last
Thursday. Janice was particularly pleased with the
best ever July figures out of Ireland for Virgin.
The golfers were even fortunate enough to
avoid the horrendous rain and storms of the previous day and enjoyed a great day’s golf at an outstanding venue.
The winners of the main prize of a trip to
Kissimmee, Florida, who will be hosted by Virgin
Atlantic and Visit Kissimmee to the Champion of
Champions competition and play and stay at a 5-star
resort, were Jimmy Lennox and Michael Doorley.
Michael Doorley, Jimmy Lennox, Tony Collins of Topflight, and
Michael Jay
Janice Scott with Philip Airey, Sunway; Dave Hyeems, Trailfinders;
and Mike Friend, Virgin Atlantic
Janice Scott is pleased with best ever
July figures out of Ireland
David O’Grady, eTravel;
Martin Penrose, Topflight;
and Terry Smith, Virgin
Atlantic
Colin Brodie, Mike
Friend, Janice Scott,
Terry Smith,
Sabrina Cusack,
and Michael Jay
your travel industry voice
23
Industry People
Sharon Jordan,
One Stop Touring Shop
Jedward made
When did you join 1STS?
Enrique
Iglesias would
I joined 1STS in November 2010. I was attracted by
the prospect and challenge of a new business in
Ireland that could offer agents high quality, new
and exciting products.
come on a trip
What was your previous career?
her laugh and
be very welto India,
but waiters
should not let
Sharon Jordan
see that they
expect a tip!
During school/college I worked part-time in reservations at Go Holidays and Panorama Holidays. On
completing my Tourism Marketing degree I joined
the marketing department of Panorama/Airtours,
later rebranded MyTravel and now Thomas Cook. I
then moved to Sunway Holidays, my home for
almost a decade, where I worked in agency sales,
product and business development.
What does winning the 2012
Insight Vacations Global Sales
Award mean to you?
Where do I start? It’s an incredible honour to be
rewarded like this – especially so when you are representing the smallest market of a global force. I
feel privileged even to have been nominated given
that I’ve only been a member of the team for less
than two years. To me personally, it means that all
those extra hours that I work haven’t gone unnoticed. The feeling of being appreciated is extremely important to me and to work for a company that
recognises this is very special. So, in
a nutshell – it means a lot!
What will be the most
important changes in
niche market tour
operating over the
next five years?
24
irish travel TRADE NEWS
There’s always a demand for fresh
ideas, locations and experiences.
The Irish love to travel – maybe it’s
because we’re an island nation in a
big world – so the market is there.
We just have to work together to
tap it. Ocean cruising has emerged
from niche to mainstream in less
than a decade through clever marketing, keen pricing and word of
mouth.
While escorted touring and river cruising can
never be a mainstream product, I firmly believe we
have a far greater market here in Ireland than many
believe. The growth pattern here at 1STS has
proven that. Over the next five years we will see
competitors continue to enter this market, which is
always a sign of growth and a welcome one – it
keeps us awake and on our toes. With proven quality in all three brands, my aim is to awaken the Irish
people to the joys of escorted touring and river
cruising, and grow these niche products into
‘demand’ products.
Globally we will see the stronger niche operators continue to grow and, while this may not
mean a dramatic increase in passenger numbers,
it will mean that niche operators will compete to
offer the best product available, whether that be
for the best accommodation, access to sights, tour
guides, coaches, ships, meals, etc. The need to differentiate from competitors will be key to growth
and survival.
If you could improve one aspect
of how Irish travel agencies are
run, what would it be?
The million-dollar question! In parts of America the
travel agent racks brochures, gives out product information and sells holidays. The tour operator is
responsible for all the administration, tickets,
accounts, etc. At the end of each month the operator
sends the travel agent a commission cheque based
on monthly sales. If I had my own agency I would like
it to run that way. It simplifies everything and leaves
agents free to focus on selling and profitability.
What are your hopes and
expectations?
Within travel I have high expectations in growing
Insight, Uniworld and Contiki into market leading
brands. Outside of travel all I can hope for is continued health and happiness.
What is the best destination you
ever visited?
Croatia is simply the most stunning country I’ve
ever visited. Contiki has an amazing island cruise
Industry People
that I really must get on before that 35 age limit
kicks in!
nickname for me that cannot be printed. Also, I don’t
like to be taken for a fool.
Where would you most like to visit?
If not in travel, what would you be
India. Insight Vacations has launched a new programme and since hearing about how magical the
tours are I’ve had a mild obsession with travelling
there. The country is so vast I’d say I’d need to go there
a couple of times to experience it all.
doing now?
I wanted to work in travel ever since I was little.
However, I applied for Law at UCD, so if I hadn’t
missed out by a couple of points I expect that is what
I would be at.
Who would you travel there with?
Where was your last holiday?
My other half, failing that, Enrique Iglesias would be
VERY welcome.
In Marmaris, Turkey, on a Thomson Holiday. It was allinclusive and a complete treat. I absolutely recommend it and definitely plan to return there.
What is your favourite music?
I’m loving Katy Perry at the moment. I’m not a fan of
rock, but everything else goes. I’m not a regular concert goer due to time constraints – my last was an
opera in Venice… oh, and Prince in Malahide Castle.
What makes you smile – and mad?
Pretty much everything makes me smile and laugh. I
have a hatred for bad service and can’t stand the
expectation of a tip as a reward. My friends have a
What will you be doing in five
and 10 years’ time?
Still working and playing hard!
Who is the most interesting
person that you have met on an
aircraft?
Jedward –they made me laugh from take-off to landing.
My Dream Destination
Neil Steedman asked a travel agent, a tour operator and a tourist board director
to reveal their favourite destinations visited (excluding Spain in the case of the
tourist board director!), their dream destinations yet to be visited, and what they
would like to have been doing now if they were not in the travel industry.
Best
Destination:
Best
Destination:
Best
Destination:
Argentina,
Buenos Aires
Belize
Iguazu Waterfall,
Brazil/Argentina
Border
Dream
Destination:
Des Abbott Hong Kong
Des Abbott
Travel
Neil Steedman
Alternative
Career:
Barrister
John
Grehan
Thomas Cook
Holidays
Dream
Destination:
Ethiopia
Alternative
Career:
Vetinary Surgeon
Gonzalo
Ceballos
Spanish Tourist
Office
Dream
Destination:
Easter Island or the
Galapagos
Alternative
Career:
Designing Cars or
Aircraft
your travel industry voice
25
Times Past
20 Years Ago
10 Years Ago
ITTN Launches Irish Travel
Trade Awards
Aer Lingus to Slash
Commissions
Irish Travel Trade News is pleased to present the first Irish Travel
Trade Awards. The Awards are designed to recognise excellence and achievement within the travel industry.
We feel that the travel agents of Ireland should have the
opportunity to pick the best operators in the various categories. It is right and fitting that the electorate should be you,
the travel agents of Ireland. For it is to you that the travelling
public turn for professional advice, and no-one is better
equipped to arbitrate on the relative merits of the various suppliers of the total travel product.
Any lingering life left in the notion of “partnership”
between Aer Lingus and Irish travel agents appeared to
finally expire on the evening of Monday 16th September
when the airline, without prior consultation, bluntly told
the Irish Travel Agents Association that it was reducing
commission for agents in the Republic of Ireland from 5%
to 1% as from 1st January 2003.
As ITAA letters arrived informing agents on Wednesday
morning, Aer Lingus announced its intention publicly, claiming that 1% was “adequate commission” – a remark that ITAA
President Tony Brazil was to brand “hurtful and insensitive”.
The plan was “nothing short of treachery.” He said.
September 1992
Royal Princess Visits Dublin
Dublin received the largest cruise ship recently when Princess
Cruises’ Royal Princess made an inaugural visit during her
Northern Capitals cruise. During the visit travel agents were
invited on board for a tour.
September 2002
Brilliance of the Seas Takes to
the Waves
Royal Caribbean International launched its new cruise liner,
Brilliance of the Seas, in Harwich on 15th July, when she set
sail on her maiden voyage.
An ocean view is enjoyed from 813 of the 1,050 staterooms, 577 have a balcony, and 14 are wheelchair accessible.
Nan Short, P&O Sales
Manager, Ireland; Sean
Power, Harvey Travel; Susan
Kiernan, Executive Travel;
Anthony Brophy, Waterford
Cruise Developments; and
Grainne Hennessy, Twohig
Travel.
TAAGS Captain’s Prize
The winner of the TAAGS Captain’s Prize outing at Woodbrook, Matt Corcoran,
receives his prize from Felix Cronin, Joe Hogan of sponsor Singapore Airlines, and
Simon Daly.
26
irish travel TRADE NEWS
Enjoying a game of blackjack on the Royal Caribbean International’s new
Brilliance of the Seas were Tony Roche, Lorraine Quinn, Gerry Roche, Emer
Miley and Neena McHugh.
Irish Ferries Sponsors Special
Olympics
Irish Ferries Managing
Director Eamonn
Rothwell and 2003
Special Olympics World
Summer Games Chief
Executive Mary Davis
announce Irish Ferries’
sponsorship for the
event, with a package
of direct financial assistance and logistical
transport support valued in excess of
€300,000.