A ‘Restart, Reconnect’ campaign by The Travel Network Group aims to support agents as England emerges from the second Covid lockdown.
The promotion aims to prepare ther group’s 1,000 members ahead of an anticipated uplift in sales in the January and February peak booking period.
A virtual business partner forum on December 16 will include a ‘getting ready for peaks’ session with four preferred suppliers.
The day will include 21 different sessions divided into seven sectors including cruise, ancillaries/attraction tickets, touring, mainstream, long-haul/luxury, river and expedition cruise and ski/UK breaks.
Members will also be encouraged to think about running virtual events for their customers. A directory of business partners who can participate in such meetings will be made available.
A pair of two-day interactive training sessions hosted by coach and trainer Jenny Kovacs will focus on mindset, motivation and instilling confidence in customers to travel safely.
Template e-shots, window materials and digital assets will also be produced to help members attract customers and give them reassurance throughout the peak season.
A marketing workshop focusing on social media will take place on December 9.
Collateral is being created, including a letter to customers outlining the challenges the travel industry has faced over the past nine months.
Template press material is being made available to publicise branch re-openings, shop safety measures and to encourage customers to think about their future travel plans.
Members will also be given the opportunity to host Zoom meetings with TTNG staff who can explain financial protection to customers who may be anxious about the security of bookings.
Chief executive Gary Lewis said: “The ultimate goal of the ‘Restart Reconnect’ campaign is to support our members as the country reopens after lockdown.
“With the vaccine rollout on the horizon we’re starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel and want to ensure our members are in the best place to make the most of a possible peak booking period in the new year.
“By providing the most recent updates and offers from our business partners, training for people who may have been on furlough these past 8-9 months and marketing materials to publicise re-openings and instil consumer confidence, we can put our members in the best possible position as we move towards a more positive 2021.”