Agent lands £5,000 booking after radio appearance

Tony Mann of Idle Travel welcomed BBC Radio Leeds to his store last week to record a segment in which he gave his travel selling skills to the station’s breakfast show host, Richard Stead.

Mann, who is a regular contributor as the station’s travel expert, often appears on Stead’s show during a section entitled The Professionals, in which the DJ takes advice from bosses across different industries.

This new spoof, The Unprofessionals, sees Stead trying his hand at various professions, visiting Idle Travel for a morning as a travel agent.

The programme, which aired this morning (March 13), involved him suggesting a holiday for a member of his show’s team – with Mann on hand to help and offer critiques.

With more than a decade of broadcasting with BBC Radio Leeds under his belt, Mann helps the station with his analysis on Brexit to summer breaks, telling TTG that customers regularly come into his Bradford-based store as a result of hearing him on the airwaves.

Last month, a man who had faced difficulties booking online came to the agency to book a £5,500 Maldives getaway – citing Mann’s radio appearance as his inspiration to choose Idle Travel.

“It’s just money-can’t-buy publicity and the chance to showcase our expertise,” he said, advising other independents to get into radio.

“I love my job and our industry, so having the chance to represent the business and the travel sector is a privilege, and giving customers the information they need to know from an agent’s point of view,” he said.

“Radio stations are always looking for content, and if you feel confident enough, get in touch and offer to help.”

To listen to Tony this morning visit: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p071z1h1