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ITTN’s Shane Cullen is at the 2025 Worldchoice Conference, with this year’s event taking place at the beautiful Johnstown Estate, Enfield. This year’s conference theme, Future Horizons: “Growth & Opportunities”, will focus on the power of influencing in the travel space. Attendees will also look at AI in the current world of travel and what the future may look like. Opportunities drive growth, and the conference offers the platform to explore new partnerships, expand markets and new innovations. Opening Address – You Should be Shouting from the Rooftops Delegates were treated to a “Grab ‘n’ Go Breakfast sponsored by Expedia TAAP and Carol Anne addressed delegates, “This year’s conference can be adopted for both people and organisations. Growth and opportunities are essential for both personal and professional development, as they enable us to reach our full potential and adapt to the ever-changing world that the travel industry brings.” “Growth and opportunities are essential for both personal and professional development, as they enable us to reach our full potential and adapt to the ever-changing world that the travel industry brings.” “Growth means being open to change, learning, taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone to gain new experiences and skills. Opportunities, whether they arise through training, work or relationships, serve as a stepping stone that helps people evolve and achieve their goals. Together, growth and opportunities foster resilience, creativity and confidence, empowering people.” “In business, opportunities and growth are deeply interconnected. Each fuels the other in a continuous cycle of progress. Opportunities, whether it’s emerging markets or products, new technologies, or shifting consumer booking trends and needs, create pathways for your business to expand to reach its potential. In turn, both allow you to invest in innovation and technology, attract new talent and explore even greater opportunities.” “When a business cultivates a mindset that actively seeks and adapts to new possibilities, it positions itself for a sustainable growth. Our Worldchoice annual event is a platform for growth and opportunities and it isn’t just about presentations and panels, it’s about people. And we have an abundance of committed professionals here in this room today.” In fact, our industry is built and held together by the people and their interconnected relationships, more so than other markets. Ireland is such a small country with an even smaller travel industry that always punches above its weight in terms of holidays, the weather helps but we are an island of explorers, wanderers, adventurers who seek new experiences, reconnecting with families and friends the world over. Carol Anne continued, “It’s about connecting, learning from one another and sparking a kind of conversation that leads to real change. As Worldchoice members, we must continue to focus on what truly sets us apart and that is being committed, travel professionals…” “You are expertly trained and continually update your knowledge base and skill set. Your product knowledge is absolutely second-to-none. You consistently deliver exceptional customer care and service. Many of you go above and beyond being available 24/7, in case of emergencies. You manage crisis situations with calm, confidence and professionalism. And you maintain long-standing trusted relationships with your trade partners and your customers.” “This is a skill set to be immensely proud of. And one that you guys should be shouting from the rooftops.” Carol Anne thanked those who supported and attended the conference Carol Anne O’Neill detailed that the attendance from trade partners and members once again is phenomenal. The success of the conference is dependent on the sponsors and the participation and engagement of Worldchoice members and trade partners. Carol Anne thanked those who supported and attended the conference. Following an afternoon of travel partner Networking sessions, Worldchoice will be recognising excellence through a variety of awards categories at this evening’s Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony sponsored by TUI, with additional sponsors: Sunway (drinks reception & Natalia Sax), KelAir Campotel (dinner wines) & Bookabed/TBO.com (DJ). Charity Raffle in aid of Evan’s World of Wonder & Oscar’s Kids Carol Anne O’Neill shared, “This year, we have amazing prizes to give away. We will be holding a charity raffle for Evan’s World of Wonder and Oscar’s Kids, in honour of Lorraine Quinn’s son, Evan, who passed away earlier this year.” Tickets for the raffle will be €20 each, and 3 for €50, and there are credit card machines for payment on the evening as well as cash. Prizes include: AMA River Cruise 2 Return Economy Class Tickets from Dublin to Cairo with Egyptair 2 Return Economy Class Tickets from Dublin to Abu Dhabi with Etihad 2 Return Economy Class Tickets from Dublin to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines 2 Return Economy Class Tickets from Dublin to Dubai with Emirates 2 Return Economy Class Tickets from Dublin to Canada, USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America or South America Holiday to Lapland with Sunway Return Ferry Crossing from Dublin to France with Irish Ferries and 6 Nights’ accommodation with KelAir Campotel Selection of Hampers Selection of Vouchers Stay tuned to ITTN for all the updates from the conference.
