And it did not disappoint! The group managed to see the Northern Lights on more than four occasions and had an array of first-time experiences in the winter wonderland. Highlights included a snow hotel experience, visiting North Cape, Sami cultural experience, husky sledding, snow mobiles and a king crab safari.
On their way to Norway, the group also experienced Qatar for the first time and saw the world’s best-value stopover destination in action. Excellent service and friendly and helpful crew on Qatar Airways and Al Maha Services made the arrival stress-free.
‘It was a great start to the trip,’ says famil participant Christine Elgar.
There is no lack of superlatives as agents describe their once-in-a-lifetime famil.
‘We’ve had the most amazing experiences that have been unsurpassed by anything else,’ says Rosann Connolly-George about the trip with Hurtigruten. ‘We have found a product that will rival anything we have ever done.
‘We are literally on top of the world, in more ways than one!’
For Margy Twigden, the trip was a dream come true.
‘Doha was fascinating; Hurtigruten was so amazing and the varied food and service second-to-none,’ she says. ‘The snow hotel is the cameo of the trip. What more could you ask for? It was the best famil possible!’
‘The first famil of 2024 was a huge success,’ says Angela Mills, chief operating officer Travel Managers Group. ‘Thank you to our partners for helping us make it happen! The valued partnerships with our suppliers allow us to offer these exclusive opportunities for professional development to our members.
‘The famil opportunities also enhance the exposure of product and exciting destination experiences that are offered by our partners. We look forward to working with them for our next Travel Managers Group exclusive famil opportunity and we are excited to offer our members another exceptional travel experience to support their business growth.’
The famil participants were Andrew Lennox, Nichola Edgecombe, Margy Twigden, Selese Rowe, Rosann Connolly-George, Christine Elgar. Thomas Gentz from Hurtigruten was the host.
Doha
North Cape
Fourth viewing of the Northern Lights
King Crab Safari
Snow Hotel, Kirkenes
