Under its “Group Therapy” program, Virgin will provide a dedicated, full-service consumer-facing web page customized for the agency.
Virgin Vacations is introducing a new program specifically designed to help agents sell group travel. Under its “Group Therapy” program, Virgin will provide a dedicated, full-service consumer-facing web page customized for the agency. The web page provides complete program and destination information, as well as a seamless booking and payment system.
“The web site does everything for the agent, from promotion through payment. Agents don’t have to worry about creating promotional materials, setting up the booking process, or collecting payment, as clients pay directly through the web site,” says Nigel Osborne, president, Virgin Vacations.
Group Travel on the Rise
Virgin Vacations developed the group program in response to growing demand from travel agents. “We are seeing an increase in group travel, especially multi-generational. Another popular group option is River cruises,” he says.
Agents can choose from two group types, reducing the risk for both agents and their clients.
Group bookings for Escorted Tours and River Cruises allow agents to block space on the departure of choice. According to Osborne, Virgin Vacations will work with agents to determine the best price based on the departure date. Agents will receive 10% commission on the land portion, plus 1 free place (Land Only) for 20 paying passengers on all regular-priced bookings. Virgin will secure best available pricing on air rates, but, due to fluctuations in fuel pricing, air fare is priced at net.
Custom Group bookings include one free land for each 15 passengers booked. Rate quotes are net for escorted, independent, cruise vacations, and air, allowing agents to add their own mark up.
Escorted Tours that Span the Globe
Agents can choose from Virgin Vacations‘ more than 50 different escorted group tour and cruise itineraries, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia/New Zealand. Additionally, the company has low-priced, blocked air space to Europe and destinations worldwide, providing a one-source solution for all booking and promotional needs.
Maximize Profits, Minimize Work
According to Osborne, Virgin Vacations is helping agents take the stress out of the planning and booking process, by providing everything needed to maximize commissions and to increase their following. “We want to provide agents with a simple solution that gives their clients value for their dollar and also maximizes profits for the agent. It’s all part of our mission to forge a strong relationship with the travel agent community,” he says.
“To that end, through our technology platform agents can set up an affiliate or a distribution point online, where they can also receive point-of-sale material. We have customized flyers and mailers, plus access to a group of dedicated group itinerary specialists. Agents can leave all the details and planning to our itinerary experts who are trained to create custom travel solutions, plus offer travel advice and guidance. With our new Group Therapy Program, Virgin Vacations can help agents close sales,” he says.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
