Intrepid Travel has pledged to make National Travel Agent Day an annual event following the success of the first such event of its type in the UK and Ireland last Friday (24 July).
Tour operators, cruise lines, tourist boards and industry bodies and associations all came together to celebrate and show their appreciation for the role played by travel agents.
Intrepid coordinated a series of events throughout the day, hosted via social media owing to the effects of the coronavirus crisis, with TTG hosting a special Agent Matters panel.
There were also activities and competitions throughout the day, with Hays Travel agent Aaron Petty winning a space on Intrepid’s new Morocco Retreat after he was praised by colleagues for his efforts to support clients during the crisis, and care for his foster siblings.
Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid managing director EMEA, said: "I was overwhelmed with the positive response to the first National Travel Agent Day in the UK.
"After such a tough few months, agents told us the day gave them a real morale boost and a positive message to share with their clients. We already have lots of ideas of how we can make next year’s National Travel Agent Day even bigger and better."
A number of the events and videos were hosted on the Travel Gossip Facebook page run by Bruce Martin, resulting in one of the page’s busiest days ever.
“We were delighted to host part of National Travel Agent Day in Travel Gossip," said Martin. "It was one of the busiest days in the group’s history with over 200 posts, 2,000+ comments and 4,000+ reactions in one day. Combined activity reach was more than 18,000 group members.
“It was amazing to see such positivity from all corners of the travel industry. Thanks to everyone for taking part, and hats off to Intrepid Travel for making the day happen.”
Next year’s National Travel Agent Day UK and Ireland will be held on Friday 23 July 2021.