Travel Counsellors focus on the future at our first-ever 'Inspire' event

“I felt on top of the world by the end of the day.” – Laura Kitson

On Friday 12th March, we held our first-ever ‘Inspire’ event.

Joining over 1000 Travel Counsellors for a day of reflection, celebration and motivation we welcomed guest speakers and members of the TC Community to the virtual event broadcast from our in-house ‘TCTV studio’.

Kicking off with a ‘keep-fit’ energiser session to start the day, the ‘Inspire’ event aimed to help business owners stay motivated for the next few weeks and months, and to boost energy levels as the 12-month anniversary of the first of the UK’s lockdown periods approaches.

Travel Counsellors Global Sales Director, Jim Eastwood, says, “Through our Inspire virtual event we’re recognising that it’s been a challenging period for so many in travel, but now is the time to pause and reset our thinking. With staycations doubling the numbers booked in March so far compared to the whole of last year, there is already a lot to look forward to “.

Travel Counsellors got involved using #tcinspire21 with Georgina Staines sharing ths lovely post and winning our social competition.

Inspiring words and actionable advice from expert speakers

Vikas Shah MBE is a serial entrepreneur, having set up his own business aged 14. Vikas chatted to CEO, Steve Byrne, and shared some of the secrets to his success, encouraging Travel Counsellors to lean on their peers for support and expertise.

Mental and physical wellbeing has been under the spotlight throughout the pandemic, so we were pleased to welcome physiologist and sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, who shared with us some simple exercises we can all do to sleep better.

Former Vice President of Transformation at American Express GBT and now success and mindset mentor, Lorna Dunning, recognised the challenges travel professionals have faced this year but encouraged us to look to the future. Lorna explained how we can find the sweet spot between working towards future goals whilst remaining appreciative of what we have in the here and now.

“Truly inspirational in their specific fields and gave food for thought in my own life/business” – Marguerite Caris

At Travel Counsellors, we have a culture like no other; human, supportive and most importantly caring

We celebrated a number of Travel Counsellors around the globe who have inspired the rest of the community during a turbulent time for the travel industry, from those who have stepped up to help fellow business owners, to volunteering in their local communities throughout the pandemic.

Our TC Panel shared how they have ’pivoted’ their businesses – a luxury afforded to them by the flexibility in the TC business model. Corporate Travel Counsellor, Antony Guy, explained how he took on holiday enquiries for his corporate travellers, relying on fellow TC, Becky Stephenson, for leisure travel expertise.

“The TC panel and the Inspire Champions spots were great; I really like hearing from other TC's, it makes me feel so connected” - Heather Reynolds

We welcomed Nicola Graham founder of our charity partner, Reuben’s Retreat, who shared some of the amazing work the organisation has done to support families throughout the pandemic; delivering 2384 hours of support, 800 parcels and 4 life-changing initiatives.

To wrap-up the day, we were joined by TV presenter and ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ star, Vernon Kay

A familiar face at Travel Counsellors, Vernon has been involved in a number of our events and initiatives over the years and spoke to CEO, Steve Byrne, about what he’s learnt in lockdown.

Vernon’s answer? The importance of real, meaningful connections with people.

“The content of the day was appropriate for the year we’ve all lived through and reminded me that I am part of a great community” – Helen Benton

Jim finishes, “Our Inspire event is a timely reminder that together, with the right people, and the right support behind you, the future is bright for experienced travel professionals who can guide their customers through any requirements for travel over the next few months or more. More motivation comes from the Group’s latest booking figures, which saw global sales last week reaching the level they were at the same time in a buoyant 2019.”

If you are feeling inspired to take the next step in your career, find out more about becoming a Travel Counsellor.