Posted 26 May 2017
Our top performing ‘Gold’ Travel Counsellors have just returned from a fantastic four-day trip to the exotic Caribbean island of Jamaica! The luxury getaway is the first of two all-expenses paid trips we’ll be hosting this year to recognise and reward the performance of our Travel Counsellors.
The trip was made possible thanks to our wonderful sponsors, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Virgin Atlantic, Celebrity Cruises, ACS Air Charter and Silversea Cruises. Not only do they help us to put on such fantastic events, but it is also a unique opportunity for Travel Counsellors to get to know sponsors on a personal level and learn more about the brilliant products and services they offer.
So, along with members of our Head Office team in Manchester, 70 franchisees from across the world set off in search of some Caribbean sun (in between some tropical showers!). Staying at the Half Moon Resort Villas in Montego Bay, Travel Counsellors stayed in private villas, each with their own pool, housekeeper, cook, and butler.
Caroline Van Huigenbos (Netherlands Travel Counsellor) was very impressed, saying: “The crew in our Half Moon villa were amazing. Edward the butler and Sissi the cook made our stay unforgettable with their love and care.”
The daytimes were filled with a choice of excursions including visits to Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, a wonderful Catamaran Cruise, or simply time spent relaxing in good company. One of the most popular activities was the ‘surf and turf’ horse riding experience offered by Half Moon Resort.
“We were paired up with a guide and horse, mine was called Casanova. It was a short walk through the resort and along the beach. Once we had taken off the saddles we got back on the horses and made our way out into the sea. I was surprised by how far we went out! As soon as the horses started to swim we could lie flat on their back and slide off the back of them, taking hold of their tails and letting them tow us along. I wish I could explain the lovely noise they made whilst they did this, they really do enjoy swimming! Getting back on was slightly more tricky though!” Claire Horne, UK Travel Counsellor since 2003.
Our Gold Weekends are not only a great way for Travel Counsellors to relax and unwind, but also an opportunity to experience destinations, hotels and excursions first hand, picking up lots of invaluable knowledge and tips to pass on to their customers.
The perfect opportunity to dress up and celebrate in style, the Gold Weekend played host to a number of evening events. Saturday’s Gala Dinner was held at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort on a private island whilst the stylish White and Gold Party at Secrets Wild Orchid and St. James Resort was the perfect place to socialise with fellow Travel Counsellors.
“On our second night we were guests at the Sandals resort. We had cocktails on the sand and dined with fabulous three course meal. We danced the night away on the sand with the Jamaican band and DJ definitely being one of the highlights of my trip.” Rosemary Chawke, Ireland Travel Counsellor since 2006.
It’s safe to say our Travel Counsellors and Head Office colleagues had an amazing time in Jamaica, and Mandy Walsh summarises the fantastic friendship and camaraderie we share perfectly!
“It is moments like being on board the catamaran cruise, surrounded by your fellow colleagues, suppliers and staff from Head Office all dancing and smiling that make me feel so proud that I am a Gold Travel Counsellor and makes all the hard work and dedication to achieve Gold so worthwhile. Moments like these are just priceless and I can’t thank Travel Counsellors enough for letting me be part of such an amazing company for the last 10 years.” Mandy Walsh, Ireland Travel Counsellor since 2007.
If you want to be part of a global community of travel professionals who are truly rewarded and valued for their hard work and dedication – get in touch with us today to find out more.
