The TTR Spring Roadshow had its third consecutive night on the road yesterday at Waterford’s Tower Hotel, after successful evenings in Belfast and Dundalk.
The fantastically organised roadshow, put on by Michael Collins and his team, has seen over one hundred agents come to meet suppliers representing international companies in tour operation, hotels and accommodation, alongside airlines and attractions. Last night was just as busy with local Waterford agents coming to take part in the speed-networking alongside Kilkenny and Thurles agents who made their way into the city to meet the fantastic selection of suppliers!
There were a range of travel suppliers available for agents – who had the opportunity to learn more about products, incentives and opportunities for their Irish holidaymakers in rounds of speed networking:
TAP Portugal, represented by Cindy Santos, offers more than 1,250 weekly flights to 85 cities, which includes 7 airports in Portugal, 10 in North America, 14 in Central and South America, 12 in Africa and 42 in Europe (in addition to Portugal). TAP has made a clear commitment to modernizing its fleet and offering the best product in the sector to its customers. TAP leads Europe–Brazil connectivity, serving 14 Brazilian gateways including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, Recife, Salvador and Belo Horizonte, and continues to grow its Brazilian network as the main bridge between Brazil and Europe. Starting July 2, 2026, travellers will have yet another gateway into Brazil! TAP will begin operating a new connection between Lisbon and Curitiba, with three weekly flights and excellent connections to the south of the country.
Discovery Hotel Management also joined the TTR Roadshow, they’re a Portuguese hotel management group that operates and develops unique hotels across Portugal. They focus on creating authentic guest experiences through distinctive properties, blending modern hospitality with local culture, history, and nature. DHM manages diverse brands, from lifestyle and boutique hotels to resorts, prioritizing sustainability, personalized service, and innovation to ensure memorable stays while enhancing the value of each property. Some of their most popular brands include Crowne Plaza Caparica, Eden Villas and Apartments, The Patio Suite Hotel, Ramada Lisbon and Monte Real.
There were other accommodation providers present, alongside THB hotels and CV Villas, Melia Hotels International joined the roadshow – one of Spain’s largest domestic operators of holiday resorts and the seventeenth biggest hotel chain worldwide, currently operating 374 hotels in 40 countries under the brands Meliá, Gran Meliá, ME by Meliá, Paradisus, Innside by Meliá, TRYP by Wyndham, Sol Hotels and Club Meliá. Each brand represents a unique hotel type from the group providing luxury to contemporary, location-based to all-inclusive resorts. In the Spanish domestic market, Melia are a market leader in both resort and urban hotels, and with a big investment into the Mediterranean market in 2026, the group is expanding its luxury offering after recording a 10% year‑on‑year increase in bookings so far this year, driven in part by a strong high season in the Canary Islands and at its ski resorts.
Destination representatives also participated on the TTR Roadshow like Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands: this diverse year-round destination, known as the “island of eternal spring” continues to rise in popularity with Irish holidaymakers. Beyond the sandy beaches, culinary and nightlife scenes, the dramatic volcanic landscape around Mount Teide (Spain’s highest peak), the steep cliffs of Los Gigantes and the island’s green northern forests make for a unique holiday destination for international adventurers.
Costa Brava also joined the roadshow, this rugged 200km coastal region of Catalonia in Northeastern Spain stretches from Blanes to the French Border. From the Camí de Ronda hiking trail to the Dali Triangle – a route designed in homage to the Spanish artist – and its famous dramatic cliffs, Costa Brava is the perfect destination for those holidaymakers wanting to surround themselves in natural beauty, rich history and fantastic gastronomy.
Another new addition to the roadshow: Happy Tours is a Slovenian company that began as a family business and gradually evolved into one of the fastest growing inbound tour operators in Europe. While primarily focused on unique tours in South-East and Eastern Europe, their Croatian company, Adria Happy Tours acts as a DMC for Croatia and the Adriatic area and their Slovenian company, Družina Krumpak, is recognised as the largest slovenian owned inbound operator in the country. They also own and manage Hotel Lyra Plitvice, a boutique 4* hotel and sustainable property nestled at the edge of Plitvice lakes national park in Croatia.
Victoria Houston also joins the TTR Roadshow representing Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings. The former has redefined luxury travel, crafting once-in-a-lifetime experiences to the world’s most captivating destinations. From tailor-made adventures and small group journeys to luxurious expedition cruises and immersive stays at Sanctuary Retreats, Abercrombie & Kent UK continues to set the standard for exceptional travel. Their sister brand, Cox & Kings, has a heritage dating back to 1758 and is one of the world’s oldest and most respected travel companies—renowned for delivering enriching, expertly planned journeys to the world’s most extraordinary places. Whether you’re exploring ancient cities, traversing remote landscapes, or immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, Cox & Kings combines deep destination knowledge with unmatched attention to detail, creating unforgettable travel experiences.
Alongside fantastic food and wine, beer and soft drinks served throughout the night there were also some fantastic prizes to be won: Lorraine Carwon an afternoon tea with Abercrombie & Kent. Peggy Fennell from Intele won a bottle of delicious rum from Barbados, Sharon Lubbe of Bowe Travel won with SVG while Claire O’Callaghan won a bottle of champagne with CV Villas. Ian Manto, from Harvey Travel, won a 2-night hotel stay for two with THB Hotels andRobyn Purser of Marble City Travel won a bottle of port and other goodies with TAP Portugal! Darren Hutchinson from Strand Travelpicked up some summer concert tickets and Bridget Hayes, Bowe Travel, won a 2-night stay for two at Portaventura World! Caroline Kelly from Strand Travel won Happy Tours’ prize whileKaren Frewen Hickey won a 2 night stay with Melia Hotels!
A big congratulations to Michael and the team for organising yet another brilliant roadshow, ending last night in Tayto Crisps sandwiches for suppliers and trade to enjoy!
