They went out on a limb, used their own funds and even stepped out of their comfort zones but according to itravel’s Kim Wudko, it was all worth the effort.
Take your mind back to a couple of weeks ago, to when KarryOn published a story about a new Travel Agent promo video created by Travel Agents and designed to emphasise the benefits of booking through a professional consultant?
In case you missed it, click here to check out the story or hit play to watch the video below.
It was scripted, created and paid for entirely by itravel’s Head of Strategic Partnership, Kim Wudko, who thought it was time for professional travel consultants to step up and defend themselves against the online market, but particularly against Webjet‘s ad, which doesn’t shine a very positive light on Travel Agents.
Wudko told KarryOn three weeks ago when she launched the video that the video wasn’t about the “empire striking back”, but rather about highlighting the pros and skills travellers can only get through a consultant.
So she recruited a professional videographer and convinced TravelManagers’ Michelle Michael-Pecora and her hubby to put their acting skills to the test in the 45 second clip.
Since launching, Wudko said she’s thrilled by the number of views and support it has had in the industry, with over 3,800 people having now watched it – around 1,200 views per week.
While that may not seem like much compared to the millions that have viewed the Webjet ad, Wudko said it was only aimed a relatively small audience and “that is a very good result”.
And she’s not the only one who agrees.
Wudko said since the video was released, feedback from Agents has been positive, and the database for the new Agent sharing site, Open Jaw, has received 200 new subscribers.
Meanwhile, dozens of Agents have praised Wudko through KarryOn’s channels, with many congratulating her for being a job “well done”.
Even a couple of consumers have backed the video, including Cheryl Embury who commented under last month’s article saying she would “only use a Travel Agent”.