Costa del Sol rolls out the welcome mat for 120 British travel experts

The Costa del Sol has stepped up its efforts to attract British holidaymakers after around 120 travel professionals from the UK were brought together with Jet2holidays and local tourism officials.

The exclusive event was organised by Turismo Costa del Sol together with Jet2holidays and brought together British travel agents and other tourism industry figures with senior members of the tour operator’s management team.

Rather than simply promoting the destination to tourists, the Costa del Sol used the event to target the people who help British travellers decide where to book their holidays.

Antonio Diaz, managing director of Turismo Costa del Sol, said the meeting had provided an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Jet2holidays while getting closer to professionals who play an important role in selling the destination in the UK. It also gave them a better chance to understand what the contemporary Brit crowd are looking for in a Costa del Sol holiday.

Why British travel agents are so important

Travel agents are still an important link between holidaymakers and destinations, particularly when customers are choosing package holidays, accommodation and flights. Turismo Costa del Sol said the British professionals attending the event have a direct relationship with travellers and can advise them on different tourism products. That makes them an important audience for the destination as it competes for British holiday bookings.

The event included working meetings and networking sessions, allowing the participants to exchange information about the Costa del Sol and build closer commercial relationships.

A gala dinner, awards ceremony and entertainment were also included in the programme.

Jet2 carries on building UK travel agent links

The event comes as Jet2holidays continues to put a strong emphasis on its relationships with British travel agents. Earlier this month, the company held its second annual Non-Retail Summit in Leeds, bringing together almost 150 independent travel agents and homeworkers.

Jet2 said these partners play an important role in its continued success, with the September event including presentations, discussions, networking and learning sessions. For the Costa del Sol, maintaining close links with these professionals gives the destination another way to reach British holidaymakers before they have even decided where to travel.

Britain remains a key market for the Costa del Sol

Turismo Costa del Sol described the UK as a priority market and said the latest event would help keep the destination in front of professionals involved in selling Spanish holidays to British customers.

There was no announcement of new Jet2 routes or additional flights from the meeting. Instead, the focus was on strengthening the commercial relationship between the Costa del Sol, Jet2holidays and the British travel trade.

For a destination that has long attracted British visitors, the message is clear: the Costa del Sol is continuing to work hard to make sure it stays on the holiday shortlist in the UK.