It’s a sea day. In an hour or two your clients have got a spa appointment, but right now the only thing they have to worry about is what to have for lunch. They choose because of something you told them. Because if travel agents go, travel agents know.
Few would argue that the world in which you’re booking travel is different post pandemic. Your clients are more comfortable with virtual communication, you’re probably working crazy long hours, and if you had a dollar for every hour you were on hold, you’d probably earn more than you charge in service fees.
And in some ways things have gone back to basics. An agent’s experience, for instance, is valued now more than ever. So, it’s no surprise that agents need to travel to sell travel.
“There is no better endorsement than an endorsement of a product experienced firsthand,” Karen Deveson, GM for Cruise, Product, and Commercial at Helloworld, tells Karryon.
“It’s the language you use from your own experience. It is your own story telling of highlights and special experiences.”
And an agent’s “personal recount of travelling”, Deveson says, has a big impact on their clients.
”Any guest sitting on the fence of booking benefits from an agent’s own experiences. It changes the context of the conversation,” she says.
Deveson appreciates that famils can be expensive and require time out of business, “but I see famils as an investment,” she says.
And with new agents entering the industry and old agents returning to it, Deveson says famils are “vital”.
“We have seen great innovation in the cruise space during the last couple of years – from innovation in design to sustainability enhancements.
“Agents – new and old new need to see this first hand.”
Support and simplicity: the best friends of a busy travel agent
But the reality is you’re not going to be able to say yes to every fam or take advantage of every incentive. What you are going to need is a system that works and your questions answered.
And that’s where specialist cruise wholesaler, Cruiseco comes in, says Deveson.
“The first benefit we want to deliver is to facilitate bookings and support our agents and cruise partners,” she tells Karryon.
“We want to give them access to exclusive product and essentially make the process easier for them.”
With time in such short supply for many agents it’s so important to keep things simple, says Deveson.
“Where we can, at Cruiseco, we host information on portals for self-service.
“We offer virtual training and update and record all information for access at more convenient times.
“We also work closely with our cruise suppliers partners. Our partners are there too to support agents in activations and events.
“That is why Cruiseco is here – whether you are new to cruise or our most experienced agent, we are a phone call away for advice and support.”
Incentives: the cherry on the top
Cruiseco is currently offering an incredible incentive to agents. Every booking agents make with Cruiseco from now until 31 March 2023 gives them an entry to win a trip for two on Ponant’s Luxury Expedition to the Kimberley this year, sailing either on La Soleal or Le Laperouse. The agents with the highest number of passengers booked will be crowned the winners.
Second and third place will also score goodies, winning a balcony stateroom for two aboard Coral Princess, sailing from Sydney to Brisbane for travel on 22 November this year. There are also Cruiseco spot prizes, including gift cards, champers, and merch.
Deveson is excited to offer these to all agents. But she understands that “for the majority of us we want our core businesses and processes to run smoothly”.
“We want less hurdles, less admin, more efficiency and no doubt more time.
“I think many of the industry would agree and prioritise those core elements over incentives.
“Having said that incentives are the cherry on top . They are a sign of thanks and appreciation. They recognise loyalty and acknowledge behaviour. Who doesn’t like a reward for a job well done?”
To get signed up with Cruiseco (it’s open to all agents), contact Greg at Greg.wilson@cruiseco.com.au.
To explore Cruiseco wave season deals, head to www.cruising.com.au/promotions.
Remember, every booking ups your chances to WIN that coveted Ponant Kimberley expedition.
