In our latest instalment of ITTN Talks, we caught up with Sarah Brady, branch manager of Barters Travelnet, Cork.
In this ongoing series, ITTN speaks to members of the travel trade and gives them a platform to talk about industry trends, to celebrate successes and discuss challenges their business has faced, offering unrivalled insights into the goings on of Irish travel agents.
How has 2024 been for your business so far?
Barters Travelnet have had a great 2024, driven by the surge in international travel, the success of our Pilgrimage department combined with the continued Cruise / River Cruise trend.
What has been your biggest surprise so far this year?
The growing number of direct flights connecting us Corkonians to major European destinations without having to travel through Dublin or indirectly!
What has been the biggest challenge to your business this year?
I would say our key challenges include rising costs, shortage of experienced staff, and the increasing competition from online platforms.
Are you seeing patterns or emerging trends or destinations for 2024/25?
Since 2021/2022 many people preferred to travel in groups and this has continued, but im seeing particular requests for Women Only solo travellers. Japan has become the top emerging longhaul travel destination.
Now that the Summer is well and truly over, what kind of enquiries are you receiving? Are holiday-makers looking for last-minute breaks, Christmas getaways or are they focusing on their 2025 holidays?
With Black Friday around the corner, I would expect that will give another boost before we go into Christmas but generally 95% of our enquiries are for 2025 now.
On a more personal note, what motivates your own travels? Do you look for sun holidays, new cultures, exotic cuisines, places of historical importance, pure relaxation or a bit of everything?
My Dad travelled the World for business back in the 80’s & 90’s and I remember heading into Barters to collect the tickets with him (manual hand written 🙂 ) I think those of us who joined the industry and never left just have it running through our veins – it doesnt matter where I go, I just feed off being somewhere new and bringing back a passion for a place to express to my clients.
Where have you been so far in 2024, and do you have any up-coming holidays?
In 2024, I did a few bucket list ticks:
✅ Vegas to see U2 at the Sphere – ticked a major bucket list with the Helicopter trip to Grand Canyon.
✅ Long weekend to El Fuerte in Marbella… not so much bucket list
✅ Amalfi Coast – including a private boat trip to Capri, the bucket list tick – getting into the Blue Grotto! It was worth the early start.
✅ Portugal – I have travelled to the Algarve every year for the last 25 years… It’s my happy place!
✅ Dubrovnik – a little girlie break with my cousin to celebrate our 50th birthdays! Yes… I’m still celebrating mine!
What is the funniest request or comment you have ever had from a customer?
Many years ago a young girl asked me for flights to Australia… for 2 nights!!
Taking Part In ITTN Talks
We are always on the look-out for interviewees and want to continue this series, so if you would like to take part and have your say in the ITTN Talks interviews, please email [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!
