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REPUBLIC OF IRELAND’S TOP AGENCY
When things go wrong in travel, it’s good to know the team that took your holiday booking have got the experience to solve the issue. And with 150 years worth of experience, the team at Marble City Travel are more than capable of rising to any challenge, from strikes to storms, to ensure their customers still enjoy a hassle-free holiday. Based in Kilkenny, managing director Tom and the team overcame numerous challenges in 2024, with one staff member even flying to Barcelona during a storm that closed down much of Ireland’s airspace to ensure Marble’s 400 customers booked onto a cruise made it on time.
Such high levels of service are not only implemented during a crisis; they are a part of day-to-day operations. Customers can expect a full suite of service extras as standard, ranging from online check-ins to ensuring all possible add-ons – from tours to airport lounges – are booked well in advance. Meanwhile, wedding and honeymoon bookers are always delighted by the special Marble gift they find on arrival in their resort. The team frequently arrange group bookings and always send a member of staff on any trip they organise to lead the group and learn more about the destination they’re visiting. This process of education is continual at the store, with staff visiting at least two destinations a year on trips paid for by Marble City Travel, while the team have clocked up about 200 in-person and online training seminars between them to ensure they always have the freshest information.
Facebook is key to both the agency’s marketing and communication strategies, allowing it to attract customers from across Ireland, with 45,000 travellers now receiving regular newsletters via email. While its clientele might be anywhere in Ireland, a dedicated receptionist will always pick up the phone promptly to provide the personal touch. And this dedication to service is paying off – 70% of customers are repeat bookers while much of the new business is generated by word-of-mouth recommendations. Staff members are also involved in the local community, with each member fundraising and helping administer local sports and business societies as well as charities.
