SANDALS Resorts is targeting 1,000 UKagents to join its Certified Sandals Specialist scheme.
Currently there are 100 agents in the scheme which is based on a blueprint that has been running successfully for three years in the US and two in Canada. The aim of the programme is to recognise and reward agents that are pro-active in selling Sandals and Beaches and to increase bookings through the trade.
To become an active CSS, individual agents are invited to enroll and take part in a full-day workshop. They will already have had to book at least one Sandals holiday and will be expected to book up to six holidays a year, as well as initiate a Sandals event or promotion to generate sales.
In return, agents will be able to take advantage of a range of benefits from extra sales leads and familiarisation trip opportunities to Sandals fax updates and the use of the CSS logo for business cards and stationery. In addition, they will be issued with a Sandals VIP card which will allow a complimentary day at a Sandals resort when on holiday, even if they are staying at another hotel.
Sandals managing director for international markets Chris May said: “The average spend on a Sandals resort is now ú2,000 and to sell that, agents must have good product knowledge.”
The CSS programme ensures that not only are they up to date with all the Sandals resorts, but also they are rewarded for it,” said.