It’s 20 years since XL Travel became a brand in its own right and, in that time it has become a major player in the South African retail travel landscape.
As delegates came together with suppliers and other industry movers and shakers at the 20th Anniversary XL Travel Conference at the Indaba Hotel in Gauteng last weekend, under the theme ‘Exponential’, it was clear to see that a lot of the brand’s success is due to its great people at every level of the members’ businesses. And they turned up in droves – there were 500 delegates at the conference, all of them eager to learn, have fun, renew friendships and honour award winners.
Marco Ciocchetti, the group’s CEO, in his opening address emphasised the importance of collaboration, especially in the times the industry finds itself. He also spoke of the great importance of members using the technology tools provided to help deliver the extraordinary service that customers now demand.
The board of XL honoured Aadil Esack, XL’s GM Product & Marketing, with an award for his 20 years of dedicated service to the company.
Inspirational Speaker and Life Coach Grant Driver gave a presentation on leveraging the art of customer-centricity and all attendees created mind maps right there and then – it was thought-provoking and well-appreciated by the delegates.
Robyn Christie, Travel Thought-Leader was MC of the event.
Saturday afternoon’s expo had a super-fun fairground atmosphere, where suppliers laid on games, quizzes, spin-and-win wheels and ring-tosses.
Supplier awards were given out to top-performing agents on the Sunday morning. Watch out for more on the XL Travel Conference in the Travel News XL Travel branded feature coming out soon.