From the stunning sight of the Castle Upton function room set for 300 guests at the Gala Dinner and the Blue Insurance Alternative Awards; to the Big Country music success at the Chill-Out zone sponsored by British Airways and American Airlines.
There was an overwhelmingly enthusiastic reaction by cruise agents to RCI ‘The Quest’ lunch and the first night party to top all parties, the ‘Jet2holidays Got Talent’ show with 80’s Icon Sinitta of course as one of the judges.
Every year Jet2holidays, one of the premier supporters of The Big Travel Trade Event, seem to hit the right mark with their party night for agents – but this time the Leeds-based operator’s team scored an absolute bullseye.
It ticked all the boxes – great hospitality, enthusiasm, attendance and razor keen competition among representatives of some of the Province’s top travel companies all rooting for their own particular favourites.
Even Jet2holidays supremo Alan Cross could be struggling to come up with as popular an alternative themed party for next year… but then he might not need to – another talent show would keep everyone happy and further tap the depth of talent in the Province’s travel industry.
There was a buzz around The Hilton from start to finish at this year’s Big Travel Trade Event, an atmosphere added to on the Wednesday by the 20th anniversary of the Travel Golf Classic, with hospitality provided by Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria Golf, Irish Ferries and Travelport.
A packed out Visit USA hosted Lunch on day one, Training sessions, Spanish Mini golf within the exhibition, Trade meetings involving ABTA officials and highly successful Speed Networking Sessions with Irish Ferries ‘Morning Tea’, not to mention the WTC/Etihad Airways Business Breakfast involving Loudmouth Media and Google… all contributed to the best Trade-only show in Ireland by a mile….
One other major highlight of the two days was the recreation of the onboard services from Stena Line, visiting Travel Agents and Trade members got a taste of the first class service and onboard brands and really showcased the amazing brand that is Stena Line.
Organiser Jonathan Adair agreed that this year’s event would be hard to surpass in future years. “Everything fell into place, it was certainly the best Big Travel Trade event since we started it eight years ago,” he said.
“The Jet2holidays talent competition was simply sensational. Everyone got into the spirit of the evening and there was such a high standard of acts. And it was great to see such rivalry between the different agencies and travel companies supporting their particular favourites.”
Events Manager Paula McAreavey was equally enthusiastic about the two days of business and networking at The Hilton. “Already we have a huge volume of bookings for next year, so I expect that exhibition space will be at a premium for 2019. The advice is, that if you know you are going to be at the Big Event next year – book your space or your sponsorship opportunity now.”
Added Paula: “We appreciate the support of all our sponsors, partners and stand-holders, and especially those who donated prizes. We look forward to having another memorable event in 2019.”
View Gallery: BIG Travel Trade Event 2018 | Exhibition
