A luxury agency in Manchester has enjoyed a boost in enquiries after holding its first client appreciation lunch last week.

Elite Travel Boutique welcomed 40 of its top customers to a lavish meal at Cibo, Hale on Thursday, in recognition of their loyalty to the company. 

Hosted in collaboration with Caribtours and Carrier, the afternoon event began with a drinks’ reception followed by a feast of sharing plates on the Italian restaurant’s rooftop terrace. There was also a prize draw and plenty of complimentary treats, including party favours and gift bags.

Speaking exclusively to TTG Luxury, Elite Travel Boutique owner Kathryn Tomlinson revealed she was inspired to organise the event following the success of a recent client appreciation trip. 

The agency invited five clients to Sani Dunes in Greece for two nights in May, and were blown away by the positive response to the gesture.  

“They really appreciated us interacting with them, taking them around the resort, hand-holding them through the experience,” Tomlinson said. “So we wanted to start working towards doing more things with clients.” 

Tomlinson selected Cibo Hale as the venue for the event because of the restaurant’s strong reputation on the Manchester culinary scene, as well as its close proximity to the Elite Travel Boutique shop and its clients. Its rooftop terrace also allowed for an intimate dining experience; made all the more special by the sunny weather. 

Guests arrived at 12pm to a welcome glass of prosecco, a cocktail or a mocktail, before tucking into antipasti staples like arancini balls, calamari and pizza.

There was also a selection of plant-based dishes for vegan clients, as well as a seemingly limitless supply of white wine and rose. 

At 1.45pm, the raffle prizes were announced; two nights at the Mett Hotel Marbella, a £500 flight voucher on Aer Lingus for its Manchester to Barbados route, three nights at the St Regis Maldives, three nights at the Vakkaru Maldives and a £100 voucher for Cibo. 

Clients also received goodie bags with brochures from Carrier and Caribtours, Ikos notepads, White Company candles and pick n mix bags of heart-shaped sweets. 

The highlight, however, were the custom-made party favours at each guest’s seat. Having checked the weather forecast beforehand, Tomlinson had 40 hand fans (all inscribed with the agency’s logo) to be delivered to the event. 

Not only were they warmly received as temperatures rose, but they’ve also been appreciated in the days since: “We’ve seen them all over the place on Instagram over the past few days. I have never known a fan to be such a success!” 

Tomlinson, who split the cost of the event with Carrier and Caribtours, said the investment is already paying off. 

“The connection we’ve had with clients has been off the charts since the event,” she said. “It’s been non-stop emails, phone calls, and WhatsApps. We’ve had one client who’s added more people onto their booking. Another client who had outstanding enquiries has now put the wheels in motion. It’s really re-engaged our clients.”

Still on a high from Thursday, Elite Travel Boutique is already planning its next client appreciation shindig. 

“This upcoming one will be a more exclusive client evening with one of the partners our clients book frequently,” Tomlinson hinted. “We want to repeat these events on a regular basis.”