Michael Fletcher, Virgin Australia, and Ricky Dunn, Tourism Australia (above with Karen Maloney, Etihad Airways), were back in Dublin to promote the wonderful Australia tourism product to the Irish trade, ably assisted by Shannon O’Dowd of Etihad Airways. Images of Australia in all its diversity made the trade long for the sunshine, natural beauty and excellent product that Australia has to offer.
Shannon commenced proceedings by presenting Etihad’s long-haul product with the airline’s great links to Australia through its Abu Dhabi hub and recommending a stopover on the way, or on the way back, in the Emirate.
Next up was Ricky who presented Australia’s many and various products available to today’s visitors – nature, sun and sea, glorious scenery, sport and city breaks. The Aussie Specialist programme undertaken by agents is a major success in the marketing of the region.
Michael’s task was to guide the agents on getting around Australia by air – with one of the recent highlights being the new terminal now in service at Perth Airport. With 1,100 flights per week, Virgin Australia connects with ease throughout Australia.
Typical Australian hospitality with plenty of food and great beer was followed by a quiz covering all aspects of the Australia product from the presentations. The quiz winners were the Abbey Travel team, followed by two teams from Trailfinders, the Australian Embassy and Australia Sky.
The winner of a prize draw for return flights from Dublin to Australia with Etihad Airways and internal flights with Virgin Australia was Paul Fitzgerald, Flight Centre.
