Last week, the team at Tauck had the pleasure of hosting 76 guests, including 45 Australian travel advisors and their companions, during the Tauck Australia Academy in Portugal.
This seven-night training event ran from March 21-28, offering attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique Tauck experience.
The training commenced with a luxurious stay at the Ritz Four Seasons Lisbon for two nights, followed by five nights aboard the elegantly designed ms Andorinha.
The itinerary allowed guests to discover the wonders of Lisbon and the enchanting Douro River Valley. The journey included visits to a variety of locations, such as captivating museums, rustic quintas (wine estates), and baroque gardens.
David Clark, Managing Director Australia, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “Sharing this exceptional travel experience with some of our trusted Australian travel advisors during our 100th anniversary year was significant to us.
“We value our partnerships with travel advisors and admire their commitment to understanding Tauck’s offerings. The gratitude and appreciation from everyone involved made this event a career highlight for me. The friendships formed during this journey will be cherished for a lifetime.
“Tauck has set the standard in upscale guided travel, delivering all-inclusive experiences, expert-led tours, and small group journeys to iconic destinations worldwide.
“Our travel advisors didn’t need to imagine cruising along the Douro; they experienced Tauck’s signature, all-inclusive luxury firsthand, and that made all the difference.”
Throughout the seven-night adventure, the travel advisors completed more than six hours of intensive classroom training, earning the title of ‘Tauck Expert Certified Advisors.’
This certification grants them exclusive access to a range of Tauck benefits, equipping them with the skills and tools needed to enhance their Tauck sales and grow their business.
The itinerary was filled with unforgettable highlights, including a welcome dinner at the Queluz National Palace in Lisbon, educational tours of historic locations such as Coimbra and the port city of Porto, and even a morning bike ride along the Douro River.
Guests enjoyed guided walks through the Ribeira quarter and the historic centre of Porto & Villa Nova de Gaia, explored small villages, sampled traditional Portuguese dishes fused with contemporary cuisine, and participated in a cocktail-making session with a focus on port cocktails.
The trip culminated in a themed 1920s party celebrating Tauck’s 100th birthday.
Reflecting on the event, Mr Clark shared, “Throughout the Tauck Australia Academy, these 45 Australian travel advisors enjoyed a truly memorable travel experience.
“It exemplifies what our travellers expect when booking with us and I am eager to see how this real-life experience of the Tauck product benefits these advisors and their clients. We are dedicated to supporting them with what they need to succeed.”
Accompanying the travel advisors were Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Directors, David Clark, Managing Director Australia; Jerry Pilgrim, National Account Manager; and Helen Eves, National Account Manager, all ensuring a comprehensive and impactful experience for the attendees.
The Tauck Tour Director Team
