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AGENT HACKS: How to lock your clients into their next trip post-holidays

In a new feature on KARRYON, Travel Corporation CEO John Veitch (JV) shares his personal insights on industry trends and the power of travel.

In a new feature on KARRYON, Travel Corporation CEO John Veitch (JV) shares his personal insights on industry trends and the power of travel.

Welcome back to reality, I hope you all had a fantastic break and are ready to kick start 2018 with gusto. Whilst we hang on to every inch of the summer holidays, I have no doubt there are a lot of current and potential clients out there already thinking about their next holiday, wanting to give themselves something to look forward to… so where to next??

Did you know that ‘travel’ ranks as one of the most common New Year’s resolutions for Australians in 2018? Now is the time to find value in all the great deals in the market, from flights through to early bird specials and dynamic pricing.

Here are my top tools for selling in early:

 

1. Remember that Easter is early this year

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Early booking offers are already in the market for the Easter break and European Summer. It’s important to present these competitive rates with your clients and they can help you to and lock down that sale. For the customer, not only does this secure them great value for money, but in a time where travel demand is growing globally, it also guarantees their spot on some of the more popular itineraries, particularly around peak season.

 

2. Airfare offers are fantastic

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Across the industry, there has been a fantastic response to the air offers available from guided holidays to river cruises. My advice is to take advantage of these but make sure these deals are transparent with clear and simple terms and conditions so you can be confident of client satisfaction. There are deals available across economy through to premium and business class with quality airline partners.   This allows guests to enjoy spending the dollars they have saved by spoiling themselves with add ons and experiences such as a shopping spree in the Big Apple, fine dining in France, a day spa in Budapest, or on memorabilia from around the world.

 

3. Dynamic pricing

It’s important to share that one increasingly popular strategy to assist both consumers and Agents alike is the transition to dynamic pricing. It allows suppliers the ability to remain nimble and responsive to market conditions which in turn ensures that agents are tapping into the most relevant and up to date pricing. You’re in a position then to close the sale right then and there, suggesting if you don’t deposit now, you may miss out either on a great price, or on shrinking inventory. Both Uniworld and CostSaver switched to dynamic pricing for the 2018 season which was an industry first for their categories, and as you know airlines and hotels have been operating this way for years. I know that you’re frustrated when you give a quote and the customer walks out and tries to shop around, so I hope the switch to a dynamic cost model will assist you to convert quotes into firm bookings before your customer leaves the store.

 

Wishing you a wonderful new year and an abundance of holiday bookings for your clients to look forward to!

Until next time,
JV

READ: Why booking the right family trip is key

What are your tips for securing your clients’ next holiday?