Destination
Ways Travel Agents Can Grow Their International Package Sales
Understand the best practices that travel agents should adopt to grow their international package sales by creating personalised itineraries and content and leveraging destination management companies.
EmphasiseWith the accessibility of international travel and people’s increased desire for properly planned vacations, there is a definite opportunity for travel agencies to boost their sales in international packages. In addition to that, people have a number of options, and thus, travel agencies should provide the right destinations, personalised experiences, packages, and customer service in order to be competitive. Here are some suggestions which will help travel agencies boost their sales in international packages.
1. Determine What Customers Want from You
It goes without saying that not all customers are looking for the same experience. There are clients who want luxury vacations, there are adventurous ones, honeymooners and budget-friendly people. Taking this into account, travel agents can create special packages according to the needs of customers. Instead of providing a general “Europe Package” to people, you can create something special like:
Family Europe vacations
Luxury Europe vacations
Honeymoon packages
Adventurous trips
Budget-friendly international trips
2. Emphasize Experiences, Not Just Destinations
Travellers care about the experiences they will have at the destination. A travel package should include much more than just flights and sightseeing.
Tour operators can offer additional experiences like:
Food tour
Culture-related activity
Adventurous experiences
Private city tour
Shopping experience
Excursions to scenic spots
Entertainment in the local environment
By selling not only a destination but also an experience, the agency can make the package more appealing.
3. Offer Customised Travel Packages
Different customers have different needs and budgets. By offering flexible packages, travel agencies will attract a broader audience. The same destination may be offered by the agency as follows:
Basic package: Flights + Accommodation + Transfers
Comfortable package: Flights + Accommodation + Transfers + Sightseeing
Exclusive package: luxury accommodations + exclusive transfers + special experiences
4. Utilise Content to Entice Travellers
Many travellers conduct research before booking a travel destination. Thus, content is crucial in the field of travel sales.
Travel agencies can create:
Guide to destination
Travel tips
Video
Posts on Instagram
Blog post
Client testimonial
Suggestions for itinerary
Seasonal recommendations
Rather than constantly offering packages, agencies can use content marketing to answer customers' questions and inspire them to travel.
5. Emphasise the Importance of Professional Assistance
In the online environment, customers can easily buy all travel services separately. Therefore, a travel agent must emphasise the added value he brings. A travel agent can help with:
Personalised itinerary planning
Destination expertise
Visa assistance
Hotel suggestions
Transportation and activities
On-trip assistance
Assistance in case of changes to plans
A simple message: a travel agent saves customers time and effort.
6. Find Reliable Partners Among DMCs
Having a good destination management partner will greatly simplify the international package planning. A travel agency working with a reliable DMC will gain access to:
Destination expertise
Hotel and accommodation options
Ground transportation
Tour and activity options
Local experience
On-the-ground support
It helps travel agencies design better packages without getting distracted by other tasks.
7. Use Personalisation in Sales
Personalisation can play an important role in travel sales. Rather than sending a standard package to each client, the agent may ask several simple questions:
Who do you travel with?
What is your preferred budget?
What kind of experience are you seeking?
How many days do you have?
Depending on the answers, an agent can suggest an appropriate itinerary.
8. Take Advantage of Seasonal Factors
Seasons and events play a role in shaping tourism trends and can be used by travel agencies to promote suitable destinations.
Examples include:
Summer season → Europe
Winter season → Dubai and Southeast Asia
Honeymoon season → Bali, Maldives and Mauritius
Festive holidays → Family international vacations
Prompt communication will add to the sense of relevance and make people plan their trips accordingly.
9. Make the Booking Process Easy
No matter how appealing your package is, a complicated booking process can put customers off. Information needs to be provided regarding:
Package details
Package inclusions
Package exclusions
Cost
Terms of payment
Conditions for cancellation
Visas required
Dates of travel
A smooth and clear process builds confidence and makes customers more comfortable with making the booking.
10. Establish Customer Loyalty
Making that single booking isn’t always the final goal. After a holiday, travel agencies have the opportunity to remain in contact with customers via personalised suggestions and information regarding travel. Satisfied customers become loyal customers and may even recommend the agency to others.
The Future of International Travel Sales
The competition in the travel industry has grown; however, this is opening up more chances for travel agencies. Travel agencies that know their customers, deliver an experience that suits the customers and have destination partners will position themselves for growth. International package sales are not just about providing a wider range of destinations. It’s about delivering a better experience, a personalised one at that, and making the journey easier.
Final Thought
It is quite easy for travel agencies to increase their sales of international packages. All they have to do is understand the traveller, deliver the right experience, communicate the value and make the journey easier.