Tipto’s London networking event held after two-year gap

Tipto’s afternoon tea event returned to the capital after a two-year gap due to the pandemic.

The eighth annual afternoon tea was attended by 42 agents and operators, including 13 of Tipto’s 15 supplier members, at The Soho Hotel in central London. It was moved from its usual January date to March to coincide with the Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards held on the same day.

Tipto chairman Nick Hughes, who is in his third year, said: “I am hoping better times are ahead for our businesses. Let’s hope we can push forward for the rest of 2022.”

The travel supplier marketing organisation has already run ten roadshows since September, the start of its 23rd year, and has a further 15 in the pipeline running nationwide until next summer. On average 50 agents have attended each event.

So far 99% of agents have rated the roadshows as good or excellent, and 88% have said they are excellent.  All agents have told Tipto they expect to do more business with some or all the suppliers who were there.

Following a meeting between Tipto member Travelpack and agency Direct Travel at the last roadshow, the agent did a £6,000 booking to New York City with the operator.

The organisation has also reported a shift in attendees at its roadshows. Since September, around half have been new to its events and 40% have been homeworkers.

Tipto has also raised £1,150 for Reuben’s Retreat since September and over the eight years it has supported the charity has collected £13,000 in total.

The organisation was saved from potential closure a year ago and became part of Spirit Marketing & Events set up by events director Lorna Willis-Edwards.