To effectively sell travel and cultivate customer loyalty, travel agents must do more than present clients with the destination-of-the-moment or far-flung exotic locales that sell themselves. A great way to earn business is by re-imagining how to sell destinations that clients might have traveled to before with refreshed spins on why they should book again.
Take Great Britain and Hawaii. There is world-class art and culture, ancient castles and rolling hills in England, Scotland and Wales, while Hawaii is celebrated for its sublime beaches and outdoor adventures. For something new, add a dash of culinary appeal that can be savored along the journey…
Gastronomic Hits In London
We know about Yorkshire pudding and bangers and mash, but head to Brick Lane in East London to sample some of the city’s best curries. Then, explore the surrounding area, a melting pot of dynamic culture, expressive street art, and vintage boutiques.
Indulge in sophisticated British fare at one-Michelin-star Pollen Street Social, opened in Mayfair by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. The contemporary bistro incorporates British-grown seasonal ingredients into its dishes, like crab from Colchester and sea scallops from the Orkney Islands.
Chinatown, Beer & Michelin Stars Beyond England’s Capital
Peruse a great choice of restaurants and bakeries in Manchester’s Chinatown, the second largest in the U.K. Try authentic Cantonese, beef noodles, dim sum, Szechuan classics and pork buns.
Interested in sipping a pint or two? Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is home to an emerging craft beer scene. Walk along Westgate Street and find Tiny Rebel, where you can enjoy the Welsh red ale Cwtch, a Rise lager, or Vermont-style Dutty IPA. Feast at Pieminster, serving award-winning pies, from the “Kevin,” filled with mushroom, tomato and baby onions, to the “Moo,” a British beef steak and gem ale variety.
Some of the country’s finest restaurants can be found in Edinburgh, Scotland. Michelin-starred excellence thrives here with The Kitchin, Number One and 21212.
Excite Holidays offers a downloadable Great Britain destination guide that agents can use to plan the first or multiple visit for a client with suggestions on activities, dining and accommodations, including the Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton Hotel in London, the Hotel Indigo Cardiff, and The Principal in Edinburgh.
Hawaii – Poke, Coffee & Ethnic Specialties
A vibrant culinary scene is part of the heart and soul of O’ahu. Chinatown is a hub of Asian cultures teeming with busy markets, noodle shops and art galleries. Try Aussie breakfast favorites at the hip Arvo café and Vietnamese fusion food at The Pig & The Lady. Don’t deny the decadence – head to Leonard’s Bakery for hot malasadas, a Portuguese-type doughnut, either plain or filled with coconut, mango or passion fruit.
Experience authentic regional fare at Maui’s Old Lahaina Luau, from pork wrapped in taro leaf and marinated cooked octopus to poi and fish prepared with seasonal ingredients. On Maui’s north shore sits the award-winning Mama’s Fish House, featuring mahi mahi, ono, opakapaka, ahi and other fresh-caught fish. Farm-driven dining inspires the menu at The Mill House.
The daily catch dominates the offerings at Kauai’s Kilauea Fish Market, an ideal spot for a casual lunch – think ahi tacos and ono salad. Pacific Rim cuisine is the focus at Mark’s Place, an affordably priced take-out restaurant preparing beef stew, chicken katsu and teriyaki beef. Fresh ingredients and innovative techniques characterize the modern Hawaiian cuisine served at JO2, such as hamachi sashimi, seared ono and Kauai shrimp risotto, and roasted Japanese grouper.
Casual eateries on the Big Island of Hawaii serve amazing food because the emphasis is on fresh ingredients that are prepared to elevate natural flavors. Buy poke bowls-to-go and a side of seaweed salad from Da Poke Shack. Delight in ocean breezes over local coffee and lunch at Island Lava Java. The Big Island is also big on coffee. One of the island’s oldest and most trusted coffee farms, Greenwell Farms cultivates 100% Kona coffee from top-quality beans. Complimentary farm tours are available.
To assist agents, Excite Holidays offers a downloadable guide for the islands of Hawaii with information on activities, dining and accommodations, such as the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
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Savvy agents are looking beyond Hawaii’s sunsets and Great Britain’s cosmopolitan culture for new ways to keep these destinations energized for clients, and food is a great way to enhance the travel experience. From authentic curries and Michelin-rated restaurants to poke bowls and ahi tacos, food is good for the travel soul.