Personal Travel Managers present at the Sydney Expo from left to right: Lyn Tyson, Lisa Metzl, Rosa Frigal, Arthur Vicario – NSW Business Partnership Manager, Aki Dakos, Melinda Rowe, Dianne Craig, Sue Kuti and Michelle Michael-Pecora. Missing is Michael Gazal – National Business Partnership Manager who was the photographer.

TravelManagers was again, for the third consecutive year, the exclusive retail call to action at the European Travel Experts’ Europe Travel Expos recently in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Held at Sofitel hotels in each of the locations, each event was deemed successful with recorded sales in excess of $200,000 for TravelManagers’ personal travel managers.

Leanne Lappin personal travel manager representative for Mount Martha, Victoria says it was a fantastic event given her relative newness and wanting to grow her business.

“I view the invitation to participate in the European Travel Expo as an ideal way to grow my business, particularly with Europe being a real passion of mine. I went to my first Europe Travel Expo last year, not sure what to expect, but came away with two bookings, one of which has just returned from her third trip in 12 months. It’s been so worthwhile for me financially but also profile-wise. This is what I love about TravelManagers – unique, exclusive opportunities - they are just gold for your business.”

More than 2,000 people attended across the three cities and as in previous years the calibre of attendee was impressive.

“The people coming through the doors had a genuine interest in travelling in the next 12 months. At the moment I am quoting on two bookings, both including multiple coach tours. The cost to participate in the Europe Travel Expo can be recouped with the first booking and the flow on effect is invaluable with referrals coming from each new client.”

Ms Lappin says the wholesalers involved are all specialist boutique operators who have in-depth knowledge of their destinations, deliver a high level of service and are often able to offer unique product.

“They are all so passionate about their product and they are a delight to work with, it’s such a fun and exciting day, it’s such a buzz to be involved and so incredibly rewarding for my business. The great thing was that the suppliers were equally impressed with TravelManagers and our ability to convert prospects into sales, it’s a winning partnership.”

Ms Lappin says her business is going from strength to strength since joining TravelManagers.

“In addition to these sorts of exclusive events their marketing is strategic as you’d expect from being centrally driven but I love how much I can personalise these things such as the eNewsletters and the travel catalogues. These, I have no doubt, help to generate new customers for me, in fact my clients even forward them on to friends and colleagues they think might be interested, it’s brilliant!”