Travel Counsellors announced impressive sales growth of 11% over the past 12 months for both its corporate and leisure divisions at the company’s annual conference held in Manchester.
Steve Byrne, Managing Director, told delegates that the company’s global sales for the financial year ending 31st October 2014 were up £428 million from £385 million the previous year. Ireland’s sales were up 10% on the previous year, while more than 52% of Irish sales are packaged through the company’s Phenix system. Average earnings for each individual Travel Counsellor also increased by 11%.
The company revealed repeat business levels of 70% for leisure customers, and the highest NPS customer satisfaction (Net Promoter Score) in the world at 96%.
During his presentation, Steve Byrne outlined plans for growth over the next five years focusing on enhanced marketing and brand awareness, improved margins, corporate travel and international expansion.
“As a company we have continued to see extraordinary growth, which is testament to the passion and dedication of our people,” he said. “We have created a safe place for talented travel professionals to grow their business, offering the support and guidance to be the very best travel professionals in the industry. Yet there is significant scope for us to grow even further – the market is huge and we aim to make the most of every opportunity, by continuing to offer the very best personal service to each and every customer.”
A star-studded line-up and an array of special guests helped Travel Counsellors celebrate their success, with over 1,500 delegates in attendance, including a 40-strong contingent from Ireland. Travel Counsellor agents, partners, suppliers and company staff arrived to an ‘around the world of TC’ themed welcome bash on Friday evening, hosted by TV personality Vernon Kay, reflecting the company’s global expansion over the past 20 years.
Highlights of the evening were an amazing performance from tenor Russell Watson and an entertaining set from stand-up comedian Sean Lock. After a day of business sessions from the company’s senior management and guest speakers, attendees were wowed at Saturday evening’s Oscar-themed gala dinner and awards ceremony, with the finale of the night being an incredible performance by megastars Simply Red and Mick Hucknall.
The event was underpinned by the theme ’20 Together’, which celebrated Travel Counsellors’ landmark 20th anniversary, highlighting the company’s journey, growth and success over the past 20 years, as well as looking toward the future and all the exciting developments in store.
David Speakman, Founder and Chairman, told agents: “As we come together to celebrate our special milestone anniversary, it is remarkable to see how much the company has grown over the years, and everything we have managed to achieve together. When I started Travel Counsellors in 1994 my vision was to empower talented travel agents to be able to deliver the very best personal service to their customers, and it is with a surge of pride that this vision has become a reality.
“Together we have built a company based on trust and caring, on building relationships and always going one step further for our customers. Now we can look together to the next 20 years, with renewed enthusiasm and focus as we push ourselves to be the very best we can be, and continue to offer the very best service in the industry.”
