Global Travel International (GTI), in the home-based travel…
Global Travel International (GTI), in the home-based travel agent distribution model in the US, announces the launch of an innovative Preferred Supplier Program. GTI is working with the industry’s leading suppliers of cruises and hotels to further educate its agents and increase sales.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) participated in the inaugural full-month program in November, resulting in a 300% increase in sales of NCL product over the same 30-day period in 2004, exceeding all targets set. The Preferred Supplier Program is supported by a combination of training sessions at GTI’s state of the art headquarters, and staff/agent bonuses and incentives. The NCL training day consisted of an in-depth presentation of NCL offerings, product updates, and selling technique assistance. GTI’s headquarters in Orlando is the center of its host agency with 140 full-time staff who support and service GTI’s home-based agents. A full-time trainer is also on staff ensuring ongoing training for all GTI staff and agents.
According to GTI President and CEO, Michael Gross, “the Preferred Supplier Program is another clear demonstration of GTI’s commitment to education, growing supplier relationships, providing comprehensive marketing support, and the unique ability of its team of home-base agents to drive market share for preferred suppliers. GTI is committed to providing its agents with the most up-to-date and effective training available.”
The Preferred Supplier Program offers the following benefits for suppliers:
- Access large number of active travel agents
- An effective and efficient marketing channel for suppliers
- A rich source of new revenue for suppliers
- The ability to move market share
In 2006, companies participating in the GTI Preferred Supplier Program will include Royal Caribbean, Club Med, Carnival Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruise Line. After its initial success, NCL has planned a second round of educational programs with GTI.
GTI also plans a number of new educational and training opportunities for GTI agents in 2006, including specialized group travel courses for gaming, family reunions, fundraising, seniors and more. Many of these courses will be constructed and coordinated with specific suppliers and vendors as an active sales tool for their products.
These new courses and opportunities will complement GTI’s existing extensive training programs which include:
GTI’s exclusive Certified Vacation Specialist (CVS) seminar
This seminar is facilitated by seasoned travel industry educators and marketing experts who are committed to Agent success. They know what works and they`re ready to share their knowledge and expertise during this custom-designed program. This course helps to create a clear marketing plan for Agent’s to use to build their business.
The Global Tutor program
The Global Tutor program providing an in-depth audio Welcome session that walks each Agent item by item through their Welcome Kit, setting up their personalized web booking site, ResMax™, and how to book travel with GTI.
Global Tutor On-Demand program
Global Tutor On-Demand program providing Agents with a true online learning experience in an environment that allows them to learn at their pace 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
GTI’s exclusive Agent Marketing Campaigns
This program gives each Agent the ability to start marketing travel to their customers from their very first day. Once enrolled, their prospects receive regular marketing contacts in the form of email and direct mail in order to get each Agent started on the right path.
CruiseCollege
An opportunity for GTI Agents to access exclusive product and travel training while enjoying a full cruise at reduced rates.
Ship Inspections
These inspections provide tours of some of the most magnificent vessels afloat and allow GTI Agents to increase their product knowledge.
Familiarization (FAM) Trips
GTI works closely with suppliers to negotiate and create discounts that are available only to GTI Travel Agents. In many cases, FAMs are offered based on an Agent’s productivity and selling potential.
Weekly Teleconferences
These weekly teleconferences are conducted by expert guest instructors, including cruise line and tour package vendors, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau representatives and GTI’s own experts providing information on latest product offerings and how to get the most out of GTI membership.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
