COX and Kings has produced its first training manual for agents after fears that retailers were reluctant to sell its product.
The long-haul specialist is sending out the pack to 500 retailers to help increase their confidence and improve product knowledge.
Agency sales manager Natasha Gubbay said:”Because we feature countries away from the mainstream destinations, agents used to shy away from selling us. They just didn’t know enough about the product to be confident of selling it. We recognise that it is impossible for agents to know everything about certain places and the aim of the training manual is to give them that knowledge and confidence.”
The manual provides a potted version of the Cox and Kings product before focusing on the operator’s three main featured regions – Latin America, the Middle East and Southern Africa. Information about the Andalucia Express is also featured.
Each section comprises a map, destination guide, travel information and a summary of the available tours.
Gubbay said the manual contains the answers to all the usual questions asked by agents.
“We have included information on topics such as visas, temperatures, health and flight times – all the things that agents usually ask us about,” said Gubbay. “The reaction from agents has so far been excellent.”
She added it will help shift the perception that Cox and Kings only specialises in India.
An initial 250 agents already on the operator’s database will receive the manual first with the remainder distributed to retailers who have registered for the manual and have sold a Cox and Kings product.
“Apart from the training, the manual should also raise awareness of the Cox and Kings brand,” said Gubbay.