Travel Counsellors has launched into 2017 in a big way – and we’re not just talking about any crazy New Year’s celebrations.
The agency group announced today that it had experienced a record month of sales for January with the value of its holiday bookings exceeding $80 million.
Travel Counsellors also enjoyed top-performing sales days that were so high, they met and exceeded records created when the company was first established in 1994.
On two consecutive Fridays in January, the value of bookings topped the $5 million mark each day – a first in the firm’s history. This was followed by another $5 million made on the final day of the month.
20th of January went down in Travel Counsellors’ history as the most active day thanks to Agents who sold 1,402 holidays and made roughly $5.7 million.
CEO Steve Byrne described the record-breaking days and month as “really exciting” and as a sign “that people are looking optimistically towards 2017”.
But how exactly did Travel Counsellors manage to break a 23-year-old record?
Byrne said supporting members is a big part of the company’s success because it allows them to “focus on providing the very best service and care to their customers”.
Travel Counsellors also believes that tailor-made itineraries were a big booster for the business last month, with just under 40 percent of sales made through the in-house booking system, Phenix, which allows Agents to package tours themselves while being in control of the margin they make.
A Melbourne-based Travel Counsellors, Richard Stewart, said he’s still in shock as to how successfully he started the year, saying it was his “best month” since joining the business.
“My sales are up almost 85 percent on this time last year.”
Richard Stewart, Travel Counsellor
“I’ve earned more this month than in any of my previous 16.5 years in travel. I think the key is always putting my customers first and treating them like friends, not just business.
“I’m also tuned into the fact that people want an experience now, not just a holiday, and the itineraries I craft reflect that trend. I’m so proud and excited to see what the rest of 2017 brings for me and my business!”