American Express in early 2014 will pilot a new program that will drive business to local travel agents, the company announced at the 2013 National Summit of the U.S. Representative Travel Network in Nashville this week.
Beginning Q1 2014, Amex Gold Card members seeking advice or help with their travel plans will get an 800 number to call that links them directly to a local travel agent.
The idea is to "open interaction" between Gold Card members and travel agents, says Tracy Paurowski, director of American Express Travel & Lifestyle Services. "We wanted to create a dedicated phone number to a local travel agent to service our Gold Card members for trip planning and travel services."
Travel agencies must pre-register for the program.
American Express also is piloting a new level of accreditation for its Travel Insiders, which recognizes travel agents who are highly specialized in a given destination.
Already in testing for a debut in Q1 2014, the program will offer additional training in cooperation with the Travel Institute.
