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Trafalgar Tours has launched ePartners, an advanced co-operative electronic communications program designed to give travel agents a competitive advantage and close more sales as it strengthens the relationship between the travel agent and their clients.
The ePartners Program provides a two-pronged approach to marketing, making sure that travel agents have what the inside information they need to effectively sell Trafalgar’s products, while also offering their clients a range of benefits from important pre-tour information, to value-added partner offers and incentives to book their next Trafalgar tour.
The benefits
- Co-branded Client Communications: Upon registering online via Trafalgar’s Express Check-in system, a travel agent’s clients will receive a staged series of three co-branded communications, designed to keep the client engaged from the initial booking through their return home. The co-branded e-mails always direct the client back to the travel agent of record to strengthen the relationship and increase repeat business.
- Value-Added Partnerships and Incentives for Clients: Immediately after booking and registering, clients receive a "Thank You for Booking" e-mail with links to Trafalgar’s "Essentials Kit" of valuable information and advice, discounted rates on travel-related products and services from leading suppliers, an incentive for referring friends, a link to Trafalgar’s online community and a link to Trafalgar’s "Trip Gift Registry." A subsequent retention e-mail designed to sustain the client’s enthusiasm goes out several months prior to departure, and contains important reminders and information. Upon returning home the client receives a third e-mail with valuable re-booking incentives for both themselves and their referrals.
- Insider Knowledge for Travel Agents: Travel agents stay "in the know" with weekly consultant statements containing updated status of their current Trafalgar bookings. Post-tour, travel agents receive valuable information for closing more sales, including client brochure leads, and information on their clients’ tour feedback and future travel intentions for follow-up and re-booking.
Travel agents that have booked 10 passengers in either 2008 or 2009 will be automatically enrolled in the ePartners program, as will all of Trafalgar’s current Affiliate Partners.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
