8 March 2019: The 37th annual Greek Festival in Sydney last weekend was host to the launch of the #WhyIDontDIYTravel campaign created by Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre (GMTC).
As part of the #WhyIDontDIYTravel campaign, GMTC has set up a competition for travel agents and consumers to share experiences that demonstrate why travellers shouldn’t DIY.
The most creative post will win two nights in a four-star hotel in Greece, followed by a three-night voyage with Celestyal Cruises. There are also daily prizes to be won.
Having taken the initiative to spearhead the competition, Halina Kubica, Managing Director of GMTC says, “I’m passionate about the talent we have in the travel industry, and I firmly believe that the expertise of a travel agent cannot be replicated or replaced by online booking systems. #WhyIDontDIYTravel is ultimately a celebration of enjoying each trip to the fullest, and that can only be achieved when booking with an ATAS accredited travel agent.”
First and foremost, Halina wants the campaign to highlight the serious issues that can arise when booking travel independently.
Common horror stories like turning up to hotels with no booking confirmation, or arriving at a destination to find it’s actually in the middle of nowhere can ruin a trip for many travellers.
A far cry from the superior experience of booking through an ATAS accredited agent, with benefits such as experience, efficiency, product access, and support taking centre stage.
The campaign also emphasises the cost savings that can be found by working with a travel agent – a fact that often comes as a surprise to consumers, who assume that DIY online booking will garner the best prices.
In fact, it is estimated that travel agents save customers an average of $452 per trip. Taking into consideration the amount of time involved in booking travel independently, the saving in real terms is approximately $1,057 per trip.
Commenting on Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre’s new campaign, AFTA CEO Jayson Westbury said, “I commend Halina and her team on embracing the ATAS Accreditation scheme, and this is a great demonstration as to how the industry can play a significant role in further endorsing the importance of dealing with a credible and professional agent.”
To enter, participants simply post their entries on Instagram, tagging @greecemedtravel.com.au and using the hashtag #WhyIDontDIYTravel.
Entries can be a variety or combination of media; written, photos or video, but note that accounts must be set to public for an entry to be accepted.
“We’re thrilled at the calibre of entries that have already been submitted with supporting stories and messages advocating the value of working with a travel agent,” said Kubica.
Greek TV personality Anastasia Katselas has also re-shared her story told at GMTC’s launch event about her DIY family Greece holiday, which unfortunately led to several issues during their travels. View Anastasia’s video at: whyidontdiytravel.greecemedtravel.com.au
GMTC expects that there will be considerable interest from those within the travel industry, although anyone with a great story is welcome to participate.
The #WhyIDontDIYTravel competition will run until 31 March 2019. Full details at whyidontdiytravel.greecemedtravel.com.au.
About Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre
Greece and Mediterranean Centre is an Australian owned and operated destination specialist. The company offers a comprehensive set of services including transport, tours, cruises and accommodation for Greece and the Mediterranean region. Established for over 16 years by Halina Kubica, the company maintains a hands-on boutique touch. More at greecemedtravel.com.au, or phone (02) 8338 6900 or 1300 661 666.
Marketing & PR Contact:
Lisa Maroun
Enspired+
Email: lisa@enspiredplus.com
Mobile: 0405 132 575
