Following conversations held at our TVGConf2022, aboard MSC Virtuosa in May 2022, we made plans to hold our 2023 Conference at Constantinou Bros. fabulous 4* all inclusive Athena Royal Beach Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus.
Aristos Diomedous’ incredible team were ready and waiting for us, with a warm welcome, boundless smiles, off-the-scale food quality and a “nothing is too much trouble” attitude. We would like to give particular mention to hotel manager Nicoletta Daouti, whose enthusiasm and passion for delivering a quality experience would put many hotels to shame!
From the quality of rooms, both accommodations and conference/dining, to the facilities that the hotel has to offer; we wanted for nothing during our time at the Athena Royal Beach Hotel.
On the Friday, 1st December 2023, the hotel worked with our organisers to create a seamless check-in, meaning that our later arrivals on the Manchester flight were able to go straight to dinner, and then attend the welcome party – joining our delegates that had flown in from Gatwick and Newcastle earlier.
Saturday – Opportunity Knocks & Toga Party!
Saturday day was spent at Paphos’ impressive Attikon building. Our journey there was facilitated by three transfer coaches, which were arranged by the hotel. Following our Opportunity Knocks Conference sessions, Aristos had arranged for a Paphos walking tour and a drink at a central bar.
Once back at the hotel there was time to enjoy the spectacular sunset – that seems par for the course at this fabulously located on-the-beach hotel – before getting ready for the Toga Party. Constantinou Bros sure know how to throw an amazing evening event! Togas, ribbon belts and headwear were all provided by the hotel, and were waiting in every room on our return. There’s something to be said for 160 people congregating at the bar in clothing not representing much more than a sheet… but joint trepidation soon fell away to revelling at an incredible Cypriot evening with dancing, fabulous regional fayre and some fiery surprises. Phil Nuttall also announced the recipient of 2023’s Karen Hardiman CEO Award. The Toga Party was an incredible night that is sure to be remembered by many for years to come!
Sunday – Business Networking & Sparkles!
Our final “Conference” day on Sunday began with a speed-dating business networking session, where our agents and business owners could spend time discussing opportunities with over 40 tour operator partners. In the afternoon our business owners were invited to attend a Social Media advice session run by our in-house Marketing team – Jess Nuttall, Amelia Bonney and Layna Mcmoran. They were also able to discover and discuss the amazing opportunities on offer from TProfile’s CRM solutions, in a session led by Lewis Johnston [Group eCommerce Manager] and Bhav Taylor from TProfile.
The Conference finished with a spectacular “Sparkles” Gala Night, during which Reuben’s Retreat’s Stacey Kirkpatrick and Shannon Coulding announced the Travel Village Group’s new commitment to the charity. Vicky Whitehead from Do Something Different kicked off the entertainment for the night with a rousing session of bingo. Then the main event, Chrissy Bray, took to the stage, belting out popular tracks and inviting revellers to take to the microphone. Tour operator partners, TVG staff, business owners and the hotel’s own staff partied late into the night with nothing but love and mutual respect being felt as everyone became “part of the family”.
On Reflection
Phil and Paula were able to reflect on the Conference, and discuss future plans with Lucy Huxley of Travel Weekly, during a webcast:
Paula Nuttall had this to say of the hotel:
The team here [at Athena Royal Beach Hotel] have been exceptional. Everything we’ve been asking for, whether in pre-planning or whilst here, it was already done.
Lucy Huxley said:
It’s so important for the agents to see the hotels that they’re selling clients into. As much as it’s nice to go away, and the weather’s wonderful, and all that… but going to these hotels to see the level of service, to see the size of the rooms, to see the facilities, where everything is located… I’ll bet you that your agents will go back and sell this hotel.
For anyone considering a conference abroad we can wholeheartedly recommend Constantinou Bros. amazing hotels in Paphos. Amazing service, facilities, food, inclusions, location and downright friendliness all guaranteed.
