Doha hosts Travel Counsellors’ fifth ‘Gold’ getaway of 2024

Homeworking agency Travel Counsellors hosted its fifth and final ‘Gold’ trip of the year recently in Doha, recognising the “outstanding” achievements of its top-performing agents.

Organised with Discover Qatar, Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism and trade representation firm Black Diamond, the trip gathered the largest group of travel counsellors yet, with 66 business owners, their partners, nine support team members and three sponsors.

The group were treated to a four-night stay at the Fairmont Doha, where the opening night featured a special event at Acoustic Raffles.

The trip included visits to landmarks such as The Pearl, Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and the National Museum of Qatar, accompanied by Discover Qatar’s tour guides.

Agents also had a Friday brunch at Doha Beach Club, one of the biggest beach clubs in the world, in the heart of Doha.

A highlight of the trip was a private celebration held at the Banyan Tree Doha, a five-star hotel in the heart of Msheireb. The event took place at Vertigo, one of Doha’s highest clubs, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the skyline, Corniche, and Old City.

Travel Counsellors’ Gold Weekends are designed as luxury getaways for its highest-selling business owners.

One of the agents on the Doha trip was Plymouth-based Karen Thornton, who launched her business in 2020 and achieved Travel Counsellors ‘Gold’ status in 2022.

“It was such a pleasure to jet off to Doha to mark my business achievements as well as join other TCs to celebrate theirs,” she said.

“It was a real privilege to take the opportunity to delve into all of Doha’s delights, learn more about its culture, history, and the people that make the destination so special.

“I look forward to going back and telling my customers all about my experiences too.”

The Doha Gold trip also celebrated seven business owners who have achieved their New to Gold status, while three others were recognised for their long service and being Gold for more than 17 years.

Steven Reynolds, senior vice-president at Discover Qatar, added: “The team at Discover Qatar were delighted to sponsor the Gold Weekend. It was wonderful to see our tour guides and tourism services so highly appreciated, while showcasing some of Qatar’s exceptional experiences that can be enjoyed during a four-day stopover.”

The Doha Gold Trip was sponsored by Cunard, Regent Seven Seas and Royal Caribbean.

Pictured from left are Gold travel counsellors: Lucy Thurston, Jen O’Brien, Jodie Jinks and Karen Thornton