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TravelMole Interview: Dave Wiggins, general manager, Austin-Lehman Adventures
A Billings, Montana-based company specializing in upscale, multi-sport adventure travel has started offering 15% commissions. Said Dave Wiggins, general manager, Austin-Lehman Adventures: “Travel agents like everyone else have been beat up this year, and we wanted to do something nice for them and get them to think about us. We’ve tried other incentives, but we decided cold cash was the best.” The company previously offered 12% and up to 15% for groups. But now all commissions through the end of the year will be 15%, Mr Wiggins said. It didn’t take long for the new offer to attract attention. Within days of its posting, Mr Wiggins said, agent bookings began to come in. For agents who book even one trip with Austin-Lehman this year, the 15% will be extended into the following year. Austin-Lehman offers 21 different tours both in the US and Canada. One popular destination is Alaska. Many tours also visit such attractions as wineries and historical sites. Many of their tours involve biking and hiking. All trips are described as luxurious by Mr Wiggins. Typical groups are small, no more than a dozen or so individuals. New family trips catering to parents and children aged seven and up may involve somewhat larger groups of up to 18 people. The typical Austin-Lehman trip cost is $250 to $350 a day, according to Mr Wiggins. Report by David Wilkening
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