Leaders of travel companies from across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Middle East descended on Dublin on Monday 22 May, at the first travel summit of its kind held in Ireland – Uzakrota UK & Ireland 2023.
Uzakrota’s aim is to connect the biggest travel companies with the brightest minds and professionals in the travel industry and has been hosting annual summits since 2010 in Istanbul, Belgrade, Berlin, London and Athens to name a few.
Organised single-handedly by Turkish native and now Ireland-based, Gokhan Erdogan, the summit saw many members of the Irish travel trade in attendance for networking opportunities and informative panel discussions at Croke Park. From 10am, attendees were treated to some inspiring opening speeches by Sam Johnston of Dublin Convention Bureau, Jonathan Clarke from AIB Bank, Chris Fradin, Senior VP of Partner Services at Forbes Travel and Irish GM of Turkish Airlines Ebuzer Tanhan, who were also one of the events sponsors.
After the opening speeches, refreshments were offered where delegates spent time catching up with old colleagues and networking with industry leaders before moving back into the main room where the panel discussions took place. Tour America and The Travel Suite’s own Mary McKenna partook in the first discussion on ‘Where are the largest tourism groups in Europe are headed’ and she was joined by representatives from USA Orientours, Rough Guides, Pegas Touristik, Cleartrip and Ejder Turizm.
Other interesting topics for debate and discussion were ‘Opening New Markets with Digital Partnerships’, ‘Shaping the Future of the Outgoing Travel Market’, ‘Managing the Future of the MICE Industry’, ‘What Comes Next for Travel Booking as the World Reconnects’ and the eagerly anticipated ‘Managing the Future of Tours and Activities’ where Rory King of Rory’s Travel Club spoke passionately about his company’s vision and plans for the future.
The summit provided a platform for informative panel discussions and invaluable networking opportunities. With the Uzakrota UK & Ireland 2023 summit leaving a lasting impact, it has undoubtedly paved the way for further collaboration, innovation, and growth in the travel industry and we hope to see Uzakrota Travel Summit return to Dublin again next year.
