TPG and Irish Ferries Show Their Appreciation for Agents on Day Trip to Wales

ITTN’s Lorraine Hales spent a fun day yesterday on board the Irish Ferries Ulysses ship with agents, media and supplier representatives from Travel Partners Group (TPG).

TPG – Travel Partners Group, connecting suppliers and agents in a fun, informative and supportive environment, includes the following travel trade suppliers:

• Amadeus

• ASM Ireland (ANA, Obeo, Caribtours, YSP, Avalon River Cruise, Cosmos Tours, Wideroe, Lost in Norway)

• Discover Travel  

• Blue Insurance

• Hertz

• Bookabed / TBO

• Irish Ferries

• MSC Cruises

• Travel Focus

• Disneyland Europe

• Crystal Ski

• Emirates 

• United Airlines

The group was welcomed on board by Marie McCarthy, Passenger Sales Manager UK & Ireland, Irish Ferries, and her team, David and Maria. A delicious breakfast was followed by fun, short supplier presentations in the cinema by David O’Connor – Irish Ferries, Olwen McKinney – Amadeus, Erica Oglesby – MSC Cruises, Charlotte McClean – Disneyland Paris – Abbey Travel, Alan Sparling – ASM, and Paul Manning – Hertz, who were present on the day, while a brief overview of other TPG suppliers who couldn’t attend was given. Agents were treated to ice cream cups and freshly squeezed orange juice during the presentation.

Next was a visit to the bridge, and some fascinating discussions were had with Captain Maciej Sienkiewicz, who spoke highly of this magnificent vessel that skilfully navigates the busy crossing to Holyhead. The MV Ulysses Dublin to Holyhead sailing takes approximately 3 hrs and 15 mins. The ship can accommodate over 1,900 passengers in its luxurious surroundings and has 117 en-suite cabins. The roll-on, roll-off ferry can take an impressive 1,300 cars and 240 HGVs and comprises 12 decks.

The guests on board have a wide variety of options, with lounges, bars and dining options available to them: Leopold Bloom Bar and the Sky/Martello Lounge, Nora Barnacle’s Food Emporium, Lafayette Café and the Boylan Brasserie. The Quays Restaurant is dedicated to freight drivers and is situated in the Club Class Lounge, which offers an extra layer of comfort to guests, and pets get their own dedicated Pet Room on board too!

The group reconvened back in the Club Class Lounge for more refreshments as the ship made its way into port.

After some unexpected itinerary changes, the group was bussed by the lovely Henry from Mannings Coaches to a nearby shopping outlet, where some enjoyed a short shopping trip while the rest of the group enjoyed a leisurely drink in the beer garden of a local pub.

The atmosphere was warm and friendly, and the group enjoyed easy banter and conversation.

The group made its way back to board Ulysses once again for a superb lunch in the Quays Restaurant, where Alan Sparling, ASM, produced a tiny bingo machine and gave away some duty-free shopping prizes of €50, €75 and €100. Congratulations to the lucky winners, who enjoyed their duty-free shopping on board. The rest of the group had a 10% discount card to use on their purchases.

The agents enjoyed touring the rest of the busy ship at leisure, while sports fans watched the match on TV, before gathering on deck for a group photo before departing as the ship arrived back at Dublin Port.

Thanks to Irish Ferries and the TPG group for their wonderful hospitality and warm welcome to ITTN. 

Other upcoming TPG Agent Appreciation Events 

• 3rd September – Raddison Red – Rooftop Bar

• 10th September Mc Geough’s Restaurant, Dundalk.

• To register interest contact: pmanning@hertz.ie