Two sister tour operators have launched an online partnership to help agents build customer loyalty.
Escorted tours specialists Insight Vacations and Trafalgar Tours sales director Paul Melinis said the new e-partners programme would allow the operators to send customers reminders and information on their bookings on behalf of agent partners.
It will provide client feedback on their tours, details on any planned holidays and future brochure leads for agents to follow up.
Melinis said it has a 30% repeat business rate among customers and he believes these additional measures will help boost sales.
He said: “Escorted touring clients are loyal and this technology will help develop long-term relationships with them.
“Our repeat business is high so with the right customer management the earning opportunities are excellent.
“We’ve worked hard to introduce something that helps the agent and improves their customer service, but takes the work out of it for them.”
The scheme is being rolled out after being pilot tested by about 150 agents from 10 travel agencies.
To join the scheme, agents need to have either booked 10 passengers with either of the companies or made an online booking.
Melinis added: “We’re helping the agent retain the client because we know the clients and the promise of repeat business is so high they will come back to book with us.”
Melinis said with the average booking price for the company was between £1,700 and £2,000, with some clients booking two or three tours a year.