As we gradually leave winter behind and embrace the sun from behind the clouds, there’s only one thing on our minds: summer is right around the corner. The slightly warmer weather always sparks a desire to want to get away, which is why now is the perfect time to start talking to your clients about early summer booking opportunities. In today’s article, we’re going to show you how to find the top destination for your market. The Compass makes it easy for you to suggest the top sun and beach destinations to your clients.

The best way for every travel agent to compete in today’s travel environment is to choose the right partner. This can give you the competitive edge you need to succeed, but the real question is: how do you make sure that a travel partner is giving you the benefits you need?

To help your travel agency with finding the answer, we have decided to come up with the 10 fundamental benefits a travel partner should offer to your travel agency:

As concerns and awareness of climate change grow, many travelers may want to take stay-cations rather than burning fossil fuels to get to yet another white sandy beach. However, with some conscious tips, your clients can travel guilt free. Check out some of our top tips below!

Finding and keeping customers isn’t easy. Quality products, cheap prices and fast delivery are all important, but for businesses that deal directly with customers, softer skills and more human attributes are just as vital. 

In fact, 73% of consumers say that friendly service can make them fall in love with a brand and 86% are willing to pay up to 25% more for a better customer experience*.

There are many soft sales skills that can help any travel expert provide a better customer experience, but here are the Bedsonline top 6:

Cross-selling: Recommending a product that’s relevant to the one they have already purchased. E.g. an activity or transfer. 

Upselling: Offering a higher price product than their initial purchase. E.g. a room upgrade.

“I want to think about it” - six words that give you that sinking feeling. It’s frustrating, you have put in the hard work but it’s all about to evaporate in front your eyes.

“Sure, no problem” you respond politely, “take your time.”

Because in your gut, you think what they are really saying is “no”. And once they walk out that door or hang up the phone, you think you won’t hear from them again.

How many customers are actually ready to commit to a booking at their first contact? If we are honest, very few.

If they are early on in their buying cycle, they will want some time to research, browse and think about it some more. You shouldn’t feel disappointed, this is a completely normal process.

In a world where 93%* of travel buying cycles start with an online search, is there anything that will help you stay relevant and ahead of the game?

Yes, there is.

It’s your expertise.

Your expertise makes you a travel pro. You get to own it and develop it, and even better – your expertise will build your own personal brand.

Here are 12 solutions to help you elevate your game to the next level: