| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 03/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 41 |
| Copyright: Other |
Special events by Linsey McNeill
Cash in on the extras
Operators offer easy earnings opportunity
YOU might not know much about horse racing, gardening or rock and roll but all of these could give you an easy way to bring in business and earn more commission.A number of operators offer packages to special events such as the Chelsea Flower Show and the Grand Prix. Not only do agents earn money on the entrance tickets but also on accommodation and sometimes travel to the event.
Superbreak sales director Ian Mounser said that as people often travelled to these events in groups, agents could make an average of £300-£400 per booking.
“That is assuming they got a booking for a group of 20 but even a booking for two people to an Oasis concert could cost £278 which is not a bad earner,” he said.
Superbreak, which claims to have been the first operator to start selling special events packages through the trade, has just given its events programme more exposure in its Goldenrail brochure to try to increase agent business.
“What we are trying to do is encourage agents to tell the public about this product because people may not think of going into a travel agency to book something like this,” said Mounser.
He suggested that agents try putting notices in the shop windows to alert clients to the fact they sell events packages. Often operators have a ticket allocation to sold-out events. Customers may be prepared to book a package, with accommodation and travel, to go to a popular event.
Crystal, which launched its Days and Nights brochure in February, has direct on-line booking links to two major ticket suppliers in London. Product director Simon Box said: “Events packages are easy to sell as they are all bookable on viewdata and they are fully commissionable.”