Tipto has been saved from potential closure as a result of a move to a new management company set up by long-time events director Lorna Willis‑Edwards.
The travel supplier marketing organisation had been a part of Menzies Distribution, which decided to axe its events division.
Willis-Edwards, who had been Tipto events director for seven years, was employed by Menzies but made redundant at the end of 2020.
She has now set up her own company, Spirit Marketing & Events, with the transfer of Tipto to Spirit set to officially complete on April 1.
Managing director Willis-Edwards plans to hold six Tipto roadshows, each for about 50 agents, in July and August, with the events adhering to Covid guidelines such as social distancing. Virtual training days are also likely, but Willis-Edwards said she was not yet scheduling any of Tipto’s bigger Super Show events.
The transfer would not entail any changes for supplier members or agents, said Willis-Edwards.
From September, the start of Tipto’s next financial year, a fresh round of about 25 agent roadshows is being planned, potentially with new supplier members on board.
“We’re hoping to start afresh,” said Willis-Edwards. “I’m under no illusions; it will not be easy and we won’t get 25 members as we have had in previous years.”
Currently, Tipto has 10 supplier members after losing some, including Shearings Holidays and Cruise & Maritime Voyages, which both went into administration in 2020. Others to leave include Bourne Leisure, after it decided to stop selling through the trade, and Great Rail Journeys.
Tipto cancelled its 2020 events due to Covid, while keeping its website, social media and online training going. “It came to a standstill,” said Willis-Edwards, who was furloughed before losing her job.
She added: “Menzies has been very supportive, and Tipto members encouraged me to do it. Most people know me as Tipto!”