So, you’ve conquered online bookings, but there’s a goldmine you might be ignoring: travel agents.
Think agents are relics of the past? Think again. Travellers are still turning to these pros for their insider knowledge and personalised touch. And they give you access to untapped markets like corporate travellers. Time to jump on this bandwagon.
We chatted with Rachael Penaluna, Business Manager at Sure Maritime Travel, about how you can team up with these booking pros and solve their main problem. “The challenge travel agents have is distribution. There are so many places to find information, it can be overwhelming,” she says.
Your mission: Simplify their search and watch your property climb to the top of their go-to list. Agents crave reliable, no-fuss info sources. Be that source.
Ready to stop leaving money on the table? Let’s dive into Rachael’s tips for harnessing travel agent power.
Serve Up Your Property Info on a Silver Platter.
First things first: put together a killer info package. Travel agents juggle tons of properties, so make it easy for them to fall in love with yours. Rachael says details are essential: “I look at room type first. Is it a single? A double? A suite? Then rates – do they have a rate of the day, a member rate, government rates?”
Whip up a digital brochure with:
- A rundown of your room types.
- Your rates (don’t forget those special corporate or government deals).
- A list of your standout amenities.
- The details on booking and cancellations.
Make it easy to share – a well-designed PDF can work wonders. But don’t stop there. What makes your place special? Rachael’s noticed a shift in what travellers want: “Corporates are looking for something different. It’s not just budget-driven. It’s more personable.”
Maybe you’ve got the fastest Wi-Fi in town, perfect for those crucial video calls. Or perhaps your home-made breakfast is the talk of the town. Whatever it is, shout it from the rooftops!
Make Friends and Influence Bookings.
Now that you’ve got your info sorted, it’s time to reach out. Do your homework on agencies that cater to your ideal guests.
Rachel advises to approach agency managers. Craft an email to them that’s short, sweet, and packed with reasons why their clients will love your place.
But don’t ghost them after one email. Building solid relationships is the name of the game. Here are some ways to keep the spark alive:
- Invite agents over for a VIP tour.
- Offer them a sweet deal on a personal stay.
- Propose a trial run with special offers for their clients.
Keep it real, though. Agents can smell a fake a mile away. Set up a system to stay in touch. Rachael suggests: “Phone afterwards to say thank you so much for the booking. Ask them what else they’re looking for in the area.”
Regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and updates on what’s new at your place – it all helps. And don’t forget to ask how you can make their lives easier, too.
Flaunt Your Connections.
Don’t be shy about your local connections. It shows you’re not just a lone wolf, but part of a thriving pack. Rachael explains why this matters: “Hospitality is the kind of industry where I want to be able to phone a supplier and say, ‘Bob, Mary said you’ve got rooms available. Can you help me?’”
When you reach out to travel agents, mention:
- Your membership in local hospitality groups.
- Any buddy systems you have with nearby properties for overflow.
- Cool local experiences you can package with stays.
If your network’s a bit thin, start building it now. It’ll pay off in more ways than one.
Remember, winning over travel agents isn’t a sprint – it’s more like a marathon. Stay patient, keep at it, and always think about how you can make their job easier. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to building partnerships that keep your rooms booked and your business growing.
