Agents can cash in by selling sightseeing passes
Monday, 27 Jan, 2010
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TravelMole guest column by Peter Muttitt, sales manager, Leisure Pass Group
The travel industry makes a point of talking up the exotic, the new and the undiscovered.
While we all love to read about faraway beaches and mystical far-flung destinations, the reality is that getting really off the beaten track is the preserve of a very small minority.
The real mainstays of tourism are closer to home, and it makes sense for agents to maximize their earnings where they can.
We specialise in the popular, and that is why our London Sightseeing Pass and Paris Sightseeing Pass offer real benefits to retailers.
Both cities are tourism staples, attracting millions of visitors each year. And though both are relatively easy to self-package as a consumer, there remains great potential for decent margins for agents who scoop up these bookings by offering expert knowledge and added value options.
Visitors to both London and Paris are invariably going to hit the traditional tourist hotspots, and the Sightseeing Pass essentially allows retailers to grab a slice of the money customers would otherwise spend locally on entrance fees.
Selling add-ons can be a tough ask, but the key is always to demonstrate ‘why’ the client benefits. Our passes give entry to a host of well known sites and hidden gems, and paying up front means both savings and no nasty shocks. Users get the additional benefit of fast-track entry at many venues, meaning they can skip queues and plan their day. A host of free offers, guide book and special deals are the icing on the cake.
Benefits such as these reinforce your reputation as a destination expert and underline that you are there to add real value to the booking process. Our experience is that many customers don’t know of the passes in advance but are delighted to be introduced to the savings they offer.
Of course, there’s a financial benefit too. We’re actively seeking more agents to sell our products over the counter and online, and offer competitive commission rates.
If you want to see for yourself, drop me a line at [email protected].
Phil Davies
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