After a rigorous and thorough selection process, TIPTO (Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation) announced its first four agent Ambassadors last week.

The successful candidates were unveiled as Beryl Towne of Althams, Sara Allen of Dartmouth Travel, Stef Trevett of Baileys Travel and Su Dillon of Travel Counsellors.

“Our number one aim for TIPTO is to help our agents’ better sell and earn”

The programme has been established to ‘help inform TIPTO’s strategic direction’ by using the new agent ambassadors’ experience and wisdom to provide insight at all levels of the organisations structure, from the set up and delivery of roadshow events and training sessions, through to the incentive offers from members – as well as maintaining and enhancing TIPTO’s profile.

TIPTO chairman Jane Atkins said: “Our number one aim is to help our agents’ better sell and earn; and what better way to understand the challenges facing today’s front line than from the mouths of agents themselves. The input from these Ambassadors will be invaluable in terms of honing what we do and the leadership team is extremely excited to get all four of them involved ASAP.”

On top of working closely with the organisation, the four will also act as organisation representatives and will be given first refusal on VIP events such as Ladies’ Day at the Races, high-tea at the Ham Yard Hotel and lunch at London’s famed celebrity hangout The Ivy.

Towne said: “Having worked for a well-established independent travel agent for over 40 years, I know the true value and many benefits an independent company can bring to the public. I hope my experience in the various roles I have held within Althams will be advantageous in my new appointment as a TIPTO Ambassador. I am very much looking forward to this new opportunity.”

Dillon added: “TIPTO is such a valuable resource and I’m excited to use my knowledge of the industry and the challenges agents face to help TIPTO shape their future,” while Trevett noted: “I’m delighted to have been recognised for my continued support of the association. I feel privileged to have been chosen as one of the first TIPTO Agent Ambassadors, it is a truly exciting opportunity and one I want to really have an impact on.”

“I have a wealth of knowledge to share and I can’t wait to get started”

Allen concluded: “The products TIPTO’s smaller supplier members offer are perfect for our clientele and I’m a firm believer in supporting those operators that invest and value our custom. After 25 years in the industry I have a wealth of knowledge to share and I can’t wait to get started.”

TIPTO has not stopped searching for more ambassadors and all TA’s have to do to be eligible is that they regularly attend  roadshow events and be registered at www.tipto.co.uk come pre-packaged with initiative and gumption to work alongside TIPTO’s members.

To apply, agents can email tipto@fore-uk.com, stating why they have the right material to become and an ambassador and example of the skills they possess that are integral to shaping the company’s future.