TravelManagers agents have a HOOT in Phuket famil

A group of TravelManagers top selling personal travel managers (PTMs) have finally been able to celebrate their accomplishments in the form of a lavish Phuket famil, hosted by HOOT Holidays.

The group, customarily dubbed ‘The Hoot Legends’, were among TravelManagers’ top ten best-selling consultants with HOOT Holidays in 2019 but were forced by the pandemic to defer their reward until 2022 when they were at last invited to enjoy a five-night luxury famil experience at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa.

“This was no ordinary famil,” noted chief operating officer, Grant Campbell, who joined the group as TravelManagers’ representative enjoying Singapore airlines business and premium economy options.

“Rather than days filled with hotel inspections, this famil is very much a reward in which PTMs get to experience the destination as favoured guests.”

According to Campbell, previous ‘Legends’ famils have been to Fiji, Las Vegas, Vanuatu and Phuket. The 2019 cadre, who were to have visited Phuket in 2020 but instead had to wait an additional two years, included Ally Casey, Annette Fyfe, Belinda Hackett, Carli Hester, Deahann Urqueza and Merran Anderson. They were joined by HOOT Holidays’ CEO and Product Manager, Joe Araullo and Stephanie Jones respectively.

Pre-dinner drinks at the Phuket Marriott’s famed Rum Shack bar were well worth the wait. (L-R) Belinda Hackett, Merran Anderson, Annette Fyfe, Joe Araullo, Stephanie Jones, Deahann Urqueza, Carli Hester and Ally Casey. (Supplied)

“We were all so grateful that we could still go on our ‘Hoot Legends’ trip from 2020,” said Hester, who is TravelManagers’ representative for Mount Duneed, VIC.

“Our TravelManagers family is what got us through the last couple of years, and it was a great way to connect, relax and have a few laughs. A big thanks to Hoot Holidays, Phuket Marriott Merlin Beach, Singapore Airlines, Steph, Joe and Grant”.

During their stay in Phuket, the group were treated to a private snorkelling tour to Banana Beach on the Panwa Princess courtesy of Cape Panwa Hotel and a trip to the new Andamanda Water Park, as well as plenty of time for massages, shopping and relaxing by the Phuket Marriott’s pool bar. Flights were with Singapore Airlines, with PTMs experiencing both business and premium economy classes.

The TravelManagers’ ‘HOOT Legends 2019’ group were thrilled to try business and premium economy class experiences with Singapore Airlines en route to Phuket. (L-R) PTMs Ally Casey, Stephanie Jones (HOOT Holidays) Carli Hester and Belinda Hackett.

“What a reward trip this was,” says Hackett, who is based in The Oaks, NSW.

“After cancelling this trip in 2020 due to the dreaded ‘C’, it was wonderful to finally get to Phuket to celebrate our achievements. This trip meant so much to all of us, having survived the industry closure and still working and selling travel 23 months later.”

(L-R) PTMs Merran Anderson, Ally Casey, Carli Hester with TravelManagers’ COO Grant Campbell waiting for their ride at Phuket’s Banana Beach Club. (Supplied)

HOOT CEO Joe Araullo said the exclusive product offerings which HOOT Holidays delivers in its capacity as TravelManagers’ in-house tour wholesaling operation have been key to the rapid rate of post-COVID recovery for the PTM network.

“In return, PTMs have the opportunity to earn reward and recognition, such as ‘HOOT Legends’ status and all that encompasses, from HOOT for their support. Participation on 2023 ‘Hoot Legends’ famil is being based on bookings deposited from 1st January to 30th June with the top 10 selling PTMs visiting Vietnam in late October, and I’m sure this will reveal some very impressive performances once again.”

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