Frontline agents, trade bodies, operators, tourist boards and airlines will come together on Friday (24 July) to celebrate the role of the travel agent in the UK travel sector.
Intrepid Travel is spearheading the UK’s first National Travel Agent Day, which it says will celebrate "the valuable role" of agents and their "extraordinary efforts" during the coronavirus crisis.
Friday’s "virtual appreciation day", the first of its kind in the UK mirroring efforts in the US and Australia, will recognise and reward agents for their dedication, said Intrepid managing director EMEA Zina Bencheikh.
“The response to National Travel Agent Day from across the industry has been fantastic so far," she said. "We have a host of exciting plans for Friday, and can’t wait to recognise and reward agents for the essential role they play in our industry.”
Sessions will include interviews with agents about how they went above and beyond to assist their clients when travel was brought to a standstill by the global pandemic.
There will also be a Q&A with customers about why they value their travel agent, as well as video messages from a range of special guests, while in the afternoon, there will be quizzes, competitions and awards.
Intrepid is asking agents to share their stories of how they and their colleagues have gone "above and beyond" for clients during the crisis; nominees will have the chance to win an Intrepid trip for two to Morocco. Entries should be sent to UKPGM@intrepidtravel.com.
The day’s activities will be hosted on the Travel Gossip and Intrepid Loves Agents Facebook page. Anyone wishing to take part is urged to pledge their support via the #NTADUK hashtag on Friday across social media.