ITTN Surveys Agents on Dynamic Packaging

Dynamic Packaging Survey Reveals 50 Per Cent of Travel Agents Use a Booking Engine

Declan Mescall to Retire from Irish Ferries

Bollywood Nights with 1STS and Insight Vacations

Claire Somers Wins Trip to Australia

RCI Hosts Cork Agents

Margaret Devaney: a Titanic Survivor

Kuala Lumpur Hosts F1 Grand Prix

Hatching Last-minute Plans for Easter? 'Choc Out' the Chocolate Boutique Hotel!

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In this issue, Irish Travel Trade News reveals the results of its nationwide survey of travel agents on dynamic packaging, interviews Declan Mescall – who is to retire from Irish Ferries, and remembers Margaret Devaney, the Titanic survivor who was interviewed by ITTN correspondent Joe Jennings.

The ITTN team also send their very best wishes to newly weds Margaret Shannon of Emirates and her husband Robert.

For our eNews and website advertising rates, including special introductory rates for recruitment ads, contact [email protected]. When you have a new product, service, promotion or event of interest to Ireland's travel industry, send details to [email protected]. News stories published on our website in recent days included:

Irish Cricket? Ask Susan!
Eva Air Accepted as Future Star Alliance Member
Eddie Jordan Launches J1 Marketing and Hospitality
TA Licence for BudgetAir.ie
UEFA Launches Euro 2012 Club Prestige Packages
Caribbean Announces London - Trinidad Service
Uniworld Introduces Italy in 2013 Programme
Taking the Sting Out of Travel

A survey by Irish Travel Trade News of travel agencies nationwide reveals that just 50% of agents use a dynamic packaging booking engine – with Flexibletrips proving to be their top choice, closely followed by Bookabed and Arrow Tours. Agents believe that dynamic packaging offers better client value and better agent margin – sometimes.
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After 42 years of moving people and freight, Declan Mescall, Head of Passenger Sales for Irish Ferries, plans to retire at the end of July – and then to explore so-far unseen places such as China, Australia and South America. In an interview with ITTN, he says that travel agents should realise the potential additional revenue stream at their disposal by promoting and selling ferry travel to their clients – and not pass up the opportunity to earn additional commission.
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The ever-resourceful One Stop Touring Shop team donned their saris, had their hands henna'd and noses studded last Thursday to host their Bollywood Night at The Mezz VIP Lounge at Samsara, Dublin – together with Miss Bella A Go Go!
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Having won a trip to Washington DC with United the previous week, last week Claire Somers of American Holidays did it again by winning the top prize at the Australia on Tour workshop in Dublin! Claire won a return Economy Class ticket to Australia with Qantas, two nights accommodation in Adelaide and a three-day/two-night Kangaroo Island Tour with South Australia, and two nights in Darwin and a three-day/two-night Kakadu National Park Tour with Northern Territory.
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Royal Caribbean International held a Cork agents breakfast to update trade partners on the cruise brand's current campaigns, including headline consumer offers of seven-night Mediterranean Cruises from €399 per person. Over 25 agents turned out to join Lorraine Quinn and Jenny Rafter at the Nash 19 eatery in the heart of Cork's business district, where they were treated to a delicious breakfast made with local produce.
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One century ago, on Sunday 14th April 1912, the steamship RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the Atlantic on her maiden voyage from Southampton, Cherbourg and Cobh, Co Cork. The liner was carrying 2,225 people and 1,512 were lost. In the March issue of Irish Travel Trade News, our correspondent Joe Jennings reveals how he interviewed one of the 713 survivors, Margaret Devaney.
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On 23rd-25th March, Kuala Lumpur hosted, for the 14th time, the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix. Overseas visitors to the event stay an average six days in the country and spend an average of €1,714. Tourism Malaysia invited ITTN's Michael Flood to this year's F1.
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Want to immerse yourself in chocolate over the Easter holidays? Why not choc into chocopreneur Gerry Wilton's chic and unique Chocolate Boutique Hotel in Bournemouth for a night or two of heavenly indulgence – you'll even get a chocolate Easter bunny in your room (offer applies Monday-Thursday, weeks commencing 2nd April and 9th April 2012). Mmmmm…
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