“The creme-de-la-creme of the travel industry of Northern Ireland”, that’s how Jet2holidays described attendees at this year’s BIG Travel Trade Event.
The two days saw a jam-packed schedule for agents, bringing the travel industry together to network, re-engage, educate and above all, have a lot of fun!
The event saw 50+ travel companies take part and hundreds of local travel agents attend the exhibition, supplier presentations, sponsored lunches and evening events.
Kelly Cookes, Leisure Director at Advantage Travel, says its important that suppliers and agents are able to meet face-to-face: “So I think it is great to come and touch base with, not only our members over here but also the Northern Irish suppliers that are representing the trade. It’s quite a different operating environment so I think its really important that, as Advantage, we have visibility over here and we come and spend time in the local area and we talk to people about what new products are coming out and what other support and services we could give to our members and you can only really do that by being on the ground here.”
This year’s two event was kick-started with a round of speed networking. Located in the marquee, 20 top travel suppliers were ready and waiting for the early bird travel agents to get the low down on what they have to offer this year.
Those that attended the Speed Networking session where then treated to a delicious Morning Tea with David Sanderson from Oceania Cruises, all whilst David updated attendees on everything that’s new with Oceania Cruises.
Travel Solutions joined us for the second year in a row, sponsoring the Agent Lunch on Day 1.
Julie and the team hosted an incredible Italian-themed lunch in the newly renovated Dormy Restaurant.
The Trade Exhibition took place on both days with over 50 top travel suppliers including hotel chains, cruise lines, tourist boards, airlines, holiday providers and many more there to meet local agents and discuss their products/services.
Refreshments courtesy of Aer Lingus and Belfast City Airport were provided during the exhibition.
After a productive day of engaging and connecting with travel suppliers, agents were given a warm British Airways welcome with a Gin cocktail to kickstart the evening.
The Spanish Tourism Board and Andalucía kept the wine flowing as the Marquee was transformed into a Spanish-inspired restaurant with a beautifully themed three-course meal. The team from the Spanish Tourist Board and Andalucía took the opportunity to extend their thanks to the Northern Ireland travel trade for the support and resilience they have shown over a very difficult couple of years.
Spanish Tourist Board’s Agustin Garcia said “We are delighted to be in Belfast and to be a part of The BIG Event. We’ve been working with he Northern Ireland Travel trade for so many years. We missed the event last year, unfortunately, but this year we’re back again and we’re delighted to see all the agents and suppliers, and to importantly, have the opportunity to discuss matters with the travel industry. We’re extremely happy to be here.”
The NI Travel & Tourism Awards in association with Blue Insurance was also launched at this year’s awards – with Jonathan Adair outlining the voting criteria for 2022 and voting in all categories is LIVE NOW!
Palladium Hotel Group served up doughnuts (among other treats) at their ‘Unexpected Breakfast’ on Day 2, while the golfers hit the course to take part in the Gran Canaria Golf Classic.
American Airlines were hosting meetings in the ‘American Airlines Lounge’ over both days.
Silversea Cruises brought sophistication and class with The Silversea Cruises Agent Lunch where Silversea’s Managing Director UK & Ireland, Peter Shanks updated agents on what’s new for Silversea’s in 2022 and onwards.
This year, the gala dinner was sponsored by Jet2holidays who treated attendees to a STAR-tastic with their ‘A Night with the Stars’ theme.
When asked why Jet2holidays chose to attend this year’s BIG Travel Trade Event, Alan Cross, Head of Trade at Jet2holidays said: “The quality of the industry that you’re got here, it’s as simple as that. You come to a two day event here and you’ve got the creme-de-la-creme of the travel industry of Northern Ireland, and as for showing our support, we come out in force, okay we’ve only got six people [with us] this time, but that is 6 out of 14 so 40% of our trade team is here to support, to network, and to get involved in some fanatic meetings; some formal meetings, some informal meetings and some fantastic side meetings which are some of the things that come out of this as well. It’s a win win situation.”
Jonathan Adair of NI Travel News said: “We were absolutely delighted to once again welcome our industry partners to The BIG Travel Trade Event. The feedback on this year’s event has been extremely positive and I am delighted that the team at NI Travel News did such a fantastic job.”
