Types of tourists;Tourist,traveller and excursionist

 

Here is a list of things that every agent can do to adapt to and thrive in today's

environment in which clients want personalized attention, good value and the

convenience of the internet.

1.Specialize

Resolve to be an expert in a few destinations or activities. Passengers

now have on-demand access to so much travel information via the

Internet that they have themselves become “generalist travel agents”.

When travelers seek help, they are seeking a true specialist.

2.Personalize

Differentiate yourself from do-it-yourself (DIY), self-service online sol￾utions. Instead give clients highly personalized service, recommen￾dations, etc., starting from your very first interaction with them—whether

online, by phone or in-person.

Many agents advertise deals on their website and send the message that

they can find the best deals. It is tough to beat deals on the Internet, and

will be even tougher going forward. Transform your business and your

message to sell expert advice and personalized service.

3.Develop a repertoire of unique experiences and special access

Offer a unique value to your services for a memorable selling experience.

The more access to special events or people that you can give clients, the

more differentiated you are.

4.Be complex

Travelers really need agents for complex trips (e.g. longer international

trips or cruises). Your energy and specialization should be on these

complex trips because passengers can easily book simple trips them￾selves (e.g. point-to-point trips such as London to Madrid).

5.Go upmarket

Segment the market into two traveler types: those with more money than

time, and those with more time than money. Agents can only compete for

the former segment's business. Travelers with more money than time give

more value to purchasing a travel agent's expertise and ability to handle

every aspect of the trip.

6.Work with net rates rather than take commission

Especially for custom tours, agents should consider getting net rates from

suppliers and marking them up rather than taking commission. This gives

pricing flexibility and better cash flow, and reduces the hassle of collecting

commission.

7.Do a self-check on whether or not you are delivering the best value

The market is dynamic and is constantly changing. Are you getting

competitive rates for all the products and services that you offer? Be sure

to have a variety of strategies to get your clients the most value.

8.Master your pitch

Have you perfected your sales pitch if clients ask: “Tell me about yourself

and your agency,” or “What makes you different from other agents?”

Memorize the top three messages in your pitch to sell your services.

9.Brush up on ‘trusted consultant’ sales skills

It is a consultative sales job. Most agents can sell a lot more if they can be

perceived as a trusted advisor. This means relationship-building and

trust-building skills are needed rather than pushy sales skills.

10. Have a good website Agent websites need three key things: good design + compelling content

+ easy to maintain/update. If you do not have a good web developer, hire

an online graphic design agency that specializes in website design and

business branding.

11. Use a smartphone

Be extremely responsive through voice, email, and social media even

when you are not in the office by using a smartphone. Use online apps or

internet phones to have one number that rings you at your landline,

mobile, or any other number. You can make international and conference

calls and listen in on voicemails.

12. Improve knowledge and process efficiency

Take the opportunity to be more efficient in your operational processes.

For example, streamline the time to develop a custom itinerary, the time

to price a quote and study courses such as this module, etc.

This industry has changed tremendously and the pace of change will only

accelerate. Be a constant student of best practices and be ready to adapt

and adopt new ways of doing things....no matter how many years you

have been in the industry.

13. Engage with social media

Create a Facebook Page for your travel business. Get your clients to be

fans and post reviews of your services. Engage them with insights and

tips. A Facebook page is best used when it is less about selling and more

about engaging with fans and being helpful with your knowledge.

Get yourself or your agency written up in national media or at least your

local newspaper. Get clients to write you endorsements on LinkedIn or

travel blogs. Build your reputation with real traveler reviews on a referral

service.

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