‘Together We Are Stronger’ was the theme of Fred. Olsen Travel’s first ever joint conference which was attended by over 100 delegates comprising both GoCruise & Travel franchisees and Fred. Olsen Travel retail assistant managers.
The three-night conference took place from 11th to 14th May with a night at the DoubleTree Hilton in Southampton followed by two nights on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas.
The ‘Together We Are Stronger’ theme was chosen as the focus of the conference was on bringing together both areas of the business – GoCruise & Travel and Fred. Olsen Travel – along with their trade partners.
During the conference, there were presentations on the benefits of the two areas of the business working together; how the growth of the two areas can help with Fred. Olsen Travel’s commercial objectives, enabling greater earning potential; how head office efficiencies can provide better support to both areas; and focusing on database growth and how agents can grow the luxury side of their businesses. In addition, Fred. Olsen travel launched a new Business Organisation app to help franchisees better manage their businesses, and held speed dating sessions and headline sponsor presentations that focused on relationships with their key trade partners.
The conference was celebrated with a Gala night awards ceremony during which Fred. Olsen Travel’s top selling agents and most supportive tour operators were honoured.
Paul Hardwick, Director of Retail for Fred. Olsen Travel, commented:
“Having recently taken up the role of Director of Retail, and now overseeing both our retail and franchise operations, it was fantastic to have so many of our sales team from across the shops and our franchisees come together, along with all of our key operator partners. It was great to give everyone an update on business and outline the strategy going forward, with the future looking incredibly bright for all. It was also really fantastic to get great feedback from the operators regarding how beneficial it was for them to see both areas come together, enabling them to build relationships further across the whole business.”
Sam Bruton, Head of Franchise for GoCruise & Travel, added:
“During this conference I witnessed the convergence of two areas of our business, and watched relationships form between various participants. The sharing of ideas and success stories has been inspiring and beneficial for everyone involved. Our trade partners have been impressed with the level of engagement displayed by our agents, as it demonstrates their dedication to learning and expanding their businesses. Attending this conference has provided a significant boost of motivation and enthusiasm for the future of Fred. Olsen Travel, both for the franchisees and our assistant managers. It’s fantastic to see how the event has brought together the two areas and ignited enthusiasm for the growth and success of the business.
