Travel Show Marketing Group (TravelSMG) an independent organization dedicated to the B2B leisure vacation market has successfully completed the third edition of the European Travel Agent Forum. The event, which took place November 14 – 17 at The Savoy Palace on Madeira Island, Portugal is designed to engage European destinations and travel providers with a select audience of North American travel advisors recognized for their European travel sales production.
“Travel is back and demand for European adventures continue to grow. This year’s European Travel Agent Forum came at a critical time, where the industry is heading from survival to revival. The value travel advisors represent far exceed building consumer awareness, travel advisors are now also an extension to the international tourism community. That was incredibly evident this past week and we were thrilled to have the best and brightest with us in Madeira”, Jim Cloonan, president, TravelSMG.
The European Travel Agent Forum was attended by 150 North American leisure travel advisors that were carefully vetted through a stringent qualification process and hosted for participation. Travel advisors in attendance collectively represented over $200 Million (USD) in annual bookings, with 65% of their individual bookings focused on Europe. Key segments to their included special interest tours, luxury and cultural experiences, and leisure groups to name a few. The Forum was supported by nearly 70 European destinations and travel providers that offer commission to the North American travel advisor community. The Supplier Showcase offered delegates to meet during mutual interest one-to-one meetings, facilitating more than 3,000 formal meetings throughout the event. Travel advisors also took part in sessions designed for destination and product awareness and a full agenda of networking (both peer and partner) along with unique in-destination experiences.
“It has been one week since the third annual European Travel Agent Forum and our team is truly grateful for the experience. Through thoughtful collaboration with the TravelSMG team, travel advisors were able to experience the diversity and beauty of the Madeira Islands. As an event exhibitor and sponsor these efforts were complimented with formal presentations and mutual interest one-to-one meetings which have already proven to be impactful for future bookings”, said Sara Olim Marote, Executive Director, Madeira Promotion Board.
Travel advisors were treated to unique activities in Madeira and other locations, including, jeep and wine torus, canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking, hiking, garden tours, sea life observations, vineyard and gastronomic experiences and many other experiences offered by local partners. Additionally, travel advisors and suppliers were treated to exciting evening events at Design Centre Nini de Andrade and the iconic Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel.
In addition to the Madeira Promotion Board, event sponsors included: The Savoy Palace, a Leading Hotels of the World; Windsor Travel Group DMC, Azores Promotion Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Algarve Portugal, Sagres Vacations, AMR Collection, Eating Europe and TAP Air Portugal.
About TravelSMG: Travel Show Marketing Group (TravelSMG) is an independent organization dedicated to the B2B leisure vacation market with the sole purpose of connecting supplier partners on a global level with North American travel agents. Our diverse portfolio of engagement solutions include live events, ranging from large-scale trade shows, boutique niche and/or destination focused events, virtual event experiences and a complete offering of digital opportunities for supplier partners to maximize their presence to travel agents across the continent. While each of our initiatives offer a unique value proposition, TravelSMG has a proven track record in producing highly effective opportunities offering a balance of education, networking and product awareness.
Details on the 2023 European Travel Agent Forum will be announced shortly. Suppliers interested in learning more should contact Jim Cloonan, president TravelSMG via email at Jim@TravelSMG.com. Travel advisors interested in being considered for future Forums can contact Lisa Marshall, Travel Advisor Relations Manager via email at Lisa@TravelSMG.com. To learn more about TravelSMG visit www.TravelSMG.com.