A number of leading online travel agents were in Belfast last week for a workshop organised by Tourism NI in partnership with Tourism Ireland.
The "Understanding Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and Bedbanks Distribution" workshop was the first large-scale event of Tourism NI's Tourism Enterprise Development (TED) Programme for 2019-20, and was supported by the NI Hotels Federation.
Speakers at the event included representatives of online booking agents Expedia, Booking.com, Lastminute.com and Expedia Local Expert (Attractions). The speakers provided the workshop's attendees with insights into who the online travel agents that they represent are and how they work.
The event also included a talk with Ciaran Connolly from ProfileTree on how to manage and protect online reputations.
"A Further Opportunity To Get Under The Skin Of The Top Online Travel Agencies"
Tourism NI industry development manager Carolyn Boyd stated, "The internet has revolutionised the way that we travel, however, there is still uncertainty about how online travel agents can help attract overseas visitors and encourage them to stay longer and spend more.
"Following the success of last year's 'Demystifying the Role of Online Travel Agents', this event provided the industry with a further opportunity to get under the skin of the top online travel agencies operating in the GB Market."
Meanwhile, Tourism Ireland director of markets Siobhan McManamy commented, "Tourism Ireland is delighted to support this workshop. Given the importance of online travel agencies in holiday decision-making and purchase, it's critical for our industry partners to understand how OTAs can help them grow their overseas tourism business and 'close the sale'."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
