After a great night of networking, catching up and just one or two drinks, Day 2 of the Travel Counsellor’s Conference kicked off with Dermot Whelan, comedian, podcaster, tv host and now wellness expert, who was todays first guest speaker. Drawing on his comedy roots, Dermot hosted a lively session, filled with laughter and empathetic nuance. Dermot spoke passionately about ‘being busy’ and the importance society puts on this, the effects of stress and how to manage it. He warned against making yourself too available, especially for those who work from home, or bring their work home from the office, and offered techniques on how to calm the nervous system, including deep nasal breathing. Dermot’s latest book, Busy & Wrecked, was released yesterday (Thursday 3 April) and a copy of the book was kindly gifted to all TCs by the Cork Head Office.
Karen Morris, TC Engagement Director, took to the stage after Dermot to touched on the supports that are available to TCs across Ireland and the UK, including virtual coffee mornings, cancer support and a well-being hub. TC Affinity groups are also available to everyone in the Travel Counsellors community which include TC Pride, TC Ability, TC Origins, TC Balance and TC Sustain.
Alex Gavalda, Travel Counsellors Commercial Director, who joined the business last Summer, took to the stage after a quick introduction by TC Ireland’s BDM Gareth Beresford-Cooke. Alex, who has worked as an immensely successful commercial director within the travel industry over the years, reiterated the importance of embracing the technology that is being heavily invested in, as well as the commercial benefits of working with the DMCs that Travel Counsellors have partnerships with. He also stressed the importance of booking hotel groups that the company have relationships with, and the need to increase cruise knowledge. As Jennifer Callister mentioned in her presentation yesterday, the repeat rate for cruisers is 82% and CLIA recently reported that the cruise market in Ireland and the UK is forecast to grow by 4% over the next 5 years, surpassing £5bn by 2028.
No stranger to the Irish trade and conference sponsor, Silversea’s Regional Sales Manager, Amanda Middler, stepped up to give a short re-cap presentation to bring those new TCs up to speed. Mentioning that Ireland is her biggest market, Amanda spoke about the various ships available in market, the inclusions onboard as well as some of their top selling itineraries. Amanda recently sailed to the Arctic and regaled attendees with some of the amazing experiences she had, such as seeing a family of polar bears, whales swimming under her zodiac and braving the freezing waters to do a polar plunge! She mentioned that the first purpose-built Silversea Hotel in Antarctica will be opened towards the end of this year. Amanda also mentioned that the average age on new ship, Silver Ray, in the Mediterranean last year was 46 – a drop from approximately 70.
Elaine Carroll, co-founder of All Ireland Business Foundation (aibf) was welcomed onto the stage to speak about Travel Counsellors new accreditation – All Ireland Business Foundation Superteam 2025. This accreditation recognises exceptional teamwork, dedication to excellence, and 20 years of outstanding service in the travel industry. Travel Counsellors are the only brand in the Irish travel industry with this accreditation.
Cathy then hosted a panel discussion with Emer McDermott, Michael Kelly, Sarah Appleton and John Appleby on Building a Successful Business, who imparted valuable insights such as leaning on the support of others, offering outstanding customer service and joining as many networking groups as possible.
Before the speed networking commended, Kirby Kissane was presented with a gorgeous bouquet by Cathy Burke, while TCs and suppliers were upstanding, for all Kirby’s hard work in organising another wonderful conference, which was seamless.
Thursday afternoon consists of speed networking, followed by pre-dinner drinks, sponsored by Qatar Airways and then the Gala Dinner and Awards so stay tuned to ITTN for more coverage from this fantastic conference!
