It’s A Hit – Yankees Partner With One World Observatory
Travel trade types were hosted at a game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays at The Rogers Centre in Toronto on May 15, 2023. Along with good food, good friends and a good ball game, the evening also celebrated the new partnership between the New York Yankees and the One World Observatory New York.
Seen in the photo, from l to r, are Hayley Coriaty – Manager, Tourism and Trade Sales at One World Observatory and Kyle Hutchinson – Senior Director, Ticket Sales, Service, Tourism & Business Strategies for the New York Yankees.
TTAND Celebrates 2024 Conference Sell Out
The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) will hold its National Conference in Jordan in 2024, marking its 10th anniversary, and it’s pretty clear that everyone wants to be there.
Why, you ask? Well, the event sold out in 47 seconds, with over 150 TTAND agent partners on a wait list.
TTAND founder, Flemming Friisdahl, said: “We really wanted to do something special for our 10th anniversary and we have been secretly working behind the scenes for a year with G Adventures, Jordan Tourism and Royal Jordanian Airlines to arrange what is believed to be a Canadian travel industry first — a major Canadian travel agency conference in the Middle East.”
TTAND agents, staff and suppliers will travel to Jordan on a private, chartered Royal Jordanian Airlines jet next June.
The surprise location of next year’s conference was announced live at the 2023 TTAND conference in Cancun to 240 attending agents– while another 568 had the opportunity to watch it through a Facebook livestream.
Said Friisdahl: “People were standing in the room and the energy was out this world – the tension was very high amongst agents as speculation grew about where the 10- year anniversary conference would be held.”
He continued: “The announcement video reveal did not immediately mention the destination but rather showed images and videos of the destination with a countdown from 10- 1. By the time Jordan was announced, agents were literally jumping off their seats, hugging each other, clapping and some were even crying.”
TTAND waited three days after conference ended for registration to open allowing everyone to return to Canada to be ready to register.
Omar Banihani, Director of Marketing, Visit Jordan, said: “It was incredibly hard to keep the 2024 conference destination details a secret from the travel agents while in Mexico. The TTAND team was keen on keeping it a secret and for a good reason! I was pleasantly surprised at the response we received after the announcement. So much love and interest in Jordan and selling out in 47 seconds was not expected at all. We are so excited to have the TTAND family in Jordan next year.”
G Adventures will be the conference co-host and David Green, VP Sales and Customer Operations & Managing Director Canada, observed that: “Everyone at G Adventures is excited to co-host The Travel Agent Next Door in Jordan for their 10th anniversary conference in 2024. When we announced the destination at their conference in Mexico there was so much excitement in the room, that I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that the event sold out in a record 47 seconds.”
Green added: “We have an incredible partnership, our sales with TTAND are growing exponentially and we can’t wait to showcase Jordan and the great work we do at G adventures in creating life changing experiences for our travelers. We of course couldn’t do this without the support of the other co-hosts! A big thanks to Royal Jordanian and Jordan Tourism Board. Bring on Jordan.”
Apart from the conference being in the Middle East, it will also be unique because it combines a G-Trip experience with conference.
Said Friisdahl: “Of course, agents and suppliers will still get a lot of presentation and networking time – just in spectacular locations.”
In the photo
Seen here, from l to r, are Flemming Friisdahl, TTAND; Omar Banihani ,Visit Jordan and David Green, G Adventures announce the 2024 Jordan conference to TTAND agents.
Explora I Unveils Design Of New Owner’s Residence
Explora Journeys has unveiled the design of its Owner’s Residence on board EXPLORA I. The Owner’s Residence creates the largest living space on board, featuring multiple spaces to relax, entertain and unwind while enjoying panoramic ocean views from the private outdoor terrace, extending over the full ship’s width.
The living space spans over 280 sqm (3,014 sq ft), comprising a spacious suite area of 155 sqm (1,668 sq ft) and a 125 sqm (1,345 sq ft) outdoor terrace, complete with an infinity whirlpool and a dining table for eight guests.
Guests staying in the Owner’s Residence will enjoy dedicated private butler services by the Residence Manager, unpacking and packing services, itinerary and transport planning, as well as private in-suite dining. They will also have unlimited priority reservations for all culinary venues and a complimentary treatment at Ocean Wellness – The Spa.
The Owner’s Residence comes with an extensive range of features and benefits, including a bespoke king-sized bed sleep system, a telescope, fine bed linens from Frette, extensive pillow selection, and a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer. Guests will also have access to a Technogym Bench and Technogym Case Kit, a private bar replenished according to their preferences, and an in-suite welcome bottle of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013.
The Owner’s Residence on board EXPLORA I is available for a maximum capacity of three adults or two adults and one child under 18 years old.
Sail on over to www.explorajourneys.com for more.
