New technology and marketing resources create efficiencies in generating new business and referrals
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (November 1, 2017) – The new technology and marketing programs revealed during the 2017 National Conference onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas were designed to catapult the success of Dream Vacations travel agents. From streamlining the booking process to a revolutionary referral program, these developments differentiate Dream Vacations from the competition.
Vice President of IT Sandi Szalay’s Star Trek-themed presentation promised to deliver the next generation of technology. A multimillion-dollar investment (from parent company World Travel Holdings) will reimagine the online vacation shopping experience by simplifying promotions and improving the overall experience for consumers. The websites will make it easier to understand this promotion-rich environment that emphasizes value over savings and give consumers a choice in which vacation package they want to purchase. This unique feature is the first of its kind in the home-based travel agent franchise and host agency industries. Other new technology updates on the horizon include further upgrades in the group booking process that will create efficiencies and customizable options to complement the existing Groups Concierge, as well as enhancements to the resort vacation booking and fulfillment process, with the ability to pull reservations directly from preferred vendors.
Recognizing how lucrative the repeat and referral business is, the marketing and IT teams collaborated to launch the “Vacation Superhero” Referral Program. Studies show that 37 percent of consumers who use travel agents were recommended by friends or family and that 41 percent of those who used a recommended travel agent, are more likely to book again without checking alternate sources. Proprietary technology created in-house will make it easy for a consumer to recommend their travel agent through email and social media. Referrals from this program will have access to exclusive promotions, and when they book, their referring “Vacation Superhero” will be rewarded with a gift card.
“This industry-first program is completely free for our travel agents and the technology is sophisticated enough to automatically recognize those who booked through the “Vacation Superhero” Referral Program. This enables our agents to concentrate on what they do best – planning dream vacations,” said Rosemarie Reed, vice president of sales and marketing.
Other new marketing and sales programs announced include a restructured Business Development Team that provides more individualized attention and a dedicated manager for new agents who need support in building the foundation of their business. The popularity of the Kate Spade “I Need A Vacation” purses and the organic marketing it produced, spawned the creation of branded vacation-themed apparel for agents.
To follow the excitement this week aboard the world’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, use the #AchieveConference hashtag.
People with a passion for travel who want to learn more about franchising opportunities with CruiseOne and Dream Vacations should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.
