Introduction to Travel Trade Programme
A step by step, jargon free introduction for visitor experiences, accommodation providers, food and drink providers, guides and local transport businesses to understand how to make the most out of the tourism industry.
This series of workshops is designed to provide hints, tips, and practical insights into supporting your business in targeting domestic (UK based) and international visitors through tour operators and online platforms with confidence and independence.
These fully funded workshops are focused on the decision makers within each part of the supply chain. We welcome sales and marketing teams, but also want to encourage Revenue Managers, General Managers, Visitor Services, Operations managers etc to bring their experiences and insights to the fore in each session.
FULLY-FUNDED PROGRAMME
Key Dates
Click on the Links below to register for the Workshops.
Monday 20th October 11 - 12 PM - Workshop 1: Fundamentals of working with Travel Trade – who, what, and why
Tuesday 21st October 12 - 1PM - Workshop 2: Identifying the tools available to get noticed and stay front of mind
Monday 3rd November - 11-12PM Workshop 3: Digital transformation and connected distribution
Thursday 13th November - 11 - 12PM Workshop 4: A dedicated session for accommodation providers
How the Programme Operates
Unlike generic support programmes, “Introduction to Travel Trade” operates on a cohort-based model, offering a structured and collaborative learning environment. Here’s what you can expect:
Workshop 1: Fundamentals of working with Travel Trade – who, what, and why
What is the ‘travel trade’? A starting point for any tourism focussed businesses looking to maximise capacity and profit across the week and across seasons through third party marketing and sales, whilst understanding requirements around commissions and rates
What do the travel trade want from you and what can you expect in return? A light hearted and interactive workshop on product positioning, engagement and business growth for your tourism business or experience.
Workshop 2: Identifying the tools available to get noticed and stay front of mind
A review of the tools at your disposal to promote your business directly and indirectly, and how to balance these with the ways that tour operators, online travel agents (OTAs), and consumers search for ideas and itinerary planning.
From Google and TikTok to AI, familiarisation trips and product training. It’s all included along with much more.
Workshop 3: Digital transformation and connected distribution
TripAdvisor reviews support bookings, but don’t create them. Find out what digital connectivity is, how you can get sales through digital channels and why your choice of booking system matters so much.
Workshop 4: A dedicated session for accommodation providers
Learn about how and why the accommodation sector is a vital component of destination based economies and how the phrase ‘profit over rate’ can become an essential part of your yield and capacity management.
Sessions may be repeated as required to fit around busy schedules
The Benefits
Receive a toolkit to support your learning
Develop your own ‘elevator pitch’ to promote your business, through a tried and tested template format
Free access to online tools to support decision making around booking system technology
Six workshop participant businesses will have the opportunity to progress to the Pilot Programme and receive dedicated one to one sessions with our travel trade expert Mike Newman.
Who can join "Introduction to Travel Trade"?
Your business must be a tourism industry focussed provider in Greater Lincolnshire including any of the following:
Accommodation providers, including independent hotels, branded properties, pubs with rooms, etc.
Experience providers including attractions, museums, heritage properties
Guiding services, including Blue Badge, Green Badge and suitably qualified local guides
Transport services, including driver guides, local coach operating companies, transfer companies etc