How Can Travel Agents Improve Marketing Efforts and Increase Sales?
by Safari Portal Founder & CEO, Rachel West
As travel agents, we’ve all been there - looking over a trip proposal that took us ages to create and even longer to plan, but has that uninspiring 1999-era look and feel that makes us question whether our client could possibly be convinced to put down the deposit. This was one of the main reasons why I started Safari Portal: I felt that the proposal stage in the sales process was the most important inflection point in the process because it is at that moment that your client is going to decide to hit the proverbial “buy now” button, or bail.
I genuinely love what I do: I love being a tour operator and being able to bring my guests’ dreams to life. The only part of my job that ever really felt like “work” was creating the travel proposals to share at the proposal stage, and the final documents and detailed itinerary once confirmed. Safari Portal turns this previously tedious chore into something easy, fun, and quick - and allows travel agents, advisors, DMCs, and tour operators to really easily put together something that accurately reflects the attention to detail and personalization that goes into every trip; it allows travel agents and professionals to craft proposals that they feel really proud to share, knowing that they’ve put their best foot forward at such a key point in the sales process. It takes the “graphic design” part of it out of the equation, so that travel professionals can focus on the “travel design” piece because ultimately we are travel designers and not graphic designers.
It's vital that agents build trust with their clients so that travelers ultimately feel confident that every last detail of their trip is taken care of, from packing lists to flight details and meticulously planned daily activities. Safari Portal helps provide valuable peace of mind, hyper personalized service, and added value to clients.
The rise of digital travel itineraries has revolutionized how we experience and share our journeys. Safari Portal helps travel agents, DMCs, and tour operators quickly create comprehensive, visually inspiring travel plans, putting everything travelers need at their fingertips. The convenience of digital itineraries benefits travelers so they can effortlessly share their plans with friends and family. This ability enhances communication during group trips whilst at the same time providing safety and reassurance for loved ones back home. Moreover, travelers can easily share their digital itineraries with others, generating increased engagement and driving future referrals. This exponentially expands business opportunities for travel agents within a viable target audience.
Using technology to streamline processes and save time on tasks that can be largely automated leaves agents with more time to apply their expertise in high-value ways, namely, face-to-face assistance and hands-on personal support that can’t be automated. This personalized approach builds trust and loyalty, and fosters a genuine connection between travel agents and their clients. Ultimately, every trip you sell is an opportunity to earn a new ambassador who will become your advocate, telling all their friends and about the great job you did, and exponentially expanding your own net of potential future clients.
The age of traditional travel marketing is giving way to a new paradigm. Through innovative technology solutions, travel agents and tour operators can leverage digitized itineraries to enhance the customer experience, foster trust, and unlock new business opportunities. As we embark on this transformative journey, one thing is sure: the future of travel marketing lies in those who prioritize personal connection, creative planning, and efficient organization. Otherwise for sure AI will put us all out of a job.