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New app allows agents to offer rep services in resort
A new travel app allows smaller tour operators and travel agents selling dynamic packages to offer a ‘virtual’ holiday rep service in resort.
Operators that have already signed up to the Hangout on Holiday app include Olympic Holidays, Party Hard Travel and Infinity Weekends.
Launched by the founder of Holiday Taxis Paul Stanyer, the app allows operators and agents to chat with their guests throughout the booking process, before they travel and once they arrive in resort.
Companies can send messages to guest in multiple resorts at the same time, or send direct messages to individuals.
The app’s bespoke platform offers customised content on the best things to do in destinations, and allows holidaymakers to book excursions an events round the clock, rather than relying on reps visiting hotels.
Stanyer, who is supported by business partner David Henderson, former head of international sales at Holiday Taxis, said: "Hangout on Holiday presents an exciting opportunity for operators looking to optimise their customer experience and gain a share of in resort spend.
"Operators can save on costs by reducing headcount, but their trip & event programme is on sale through the in-APP booking platform. They can choose from their own excursion inventory or tap into ours. In a world where live chat is the norm there really is no requirement for reps to waste their time sitting in hotel receptions whilst their guests are on the beach. This is the perfect tool for reps and guests to communicate with each as and when they wish to."
The company is in the process of setting up its own independent rep service across the Med for smaller operators and agents to tap into.
Holidaymakers will also be able to use the app to ask specific questions of restaurants, bars and attractions in resorts. Anyone can download the app, even if they haven’t booked a holiday or if they’re travelling with a company that hasn’t signed up.
Hangout on Holiday’s management team, who are all ex-reps, includes Jacky Bedlow, former CEO of Alpharooms, HotelsforU and Youtravel, who has taken up the role of finance director. Sam Lupson, who set up the popular Facebook group, Stories of a Holiday Rep, has joined as overseas director.
Stanyer said he has seen a lot of interest in the app from ‘companies of all sizes’.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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