Travel

[Philtravel]

Hi all I’m new here and hoping I can get some advice, my partner is an independent travel agent and hasn’t been doing it long.

She currently has something personal going on and im looking for advice/help etc to try and drum up some possible customers for her, she has an instagram business page, business cards etc.

Thanks all

 

[fisicx]

Where to people go to when looking for a travel agent?

I doubt they will be on instagram. Perhaps they search on google. Or ask their friends. Maybe they already use a travel app.

Does she have a website? Does it rank well? Is she paying for adverts and banners on popular holiday sites?

 

[Philtravel]

Where to people go to when looking for a travel agent?

I doubt they will be on instagram. Perhaps they search on google. Or ask their friends. Maybe they already use a travel app.

Does she have a website? Does it rank well? Is she paying for adverts and banners on popular holiday sites?

Hi she does have Instagram business page also Facebook, which most if not all the ita’s use. I’m trying to help my parter by hopefully raising more interest.

So people I can get in touch with who are potentially looking for a holiday I’d pass there details on etc.

 

[MikeJ]

Fundamentally, I'm not sure many people use travel agents these days. I've used one a few times (though not for a while now), but 1) he's a friend of mine and 2) I wanted something very specific that I couldn't organise another way. The only ones that are doing well are those that highly specialise in certain things, putting together high-end packages.

I hope she's not been scammed into the "become a travel agent, but pay for these licences first" deals.

 

[fisicx]

Hi she does have Instagram business page also Facebook, which most if not all the ita’s use.

Just because that's what most ITAs use doesn't mean its the right was to market their services.

If I want help booking a holiday I'm probably not going to start my search on insta of facebook.

I'm more likely to use Google, chat GPT or a travel app (of which their are many).

 

[Philtravel]

Fundamentally, I'm not sure many people use travel agents these days. I've used one a few times (though not for a while now), but 1) he's a friend of mine and 2) I wanted something very specific that I couldn't organise another way. The only ones that are doing well are those that highly specialise in certain things, putting together high-end packages.

I hope she's not been scammed into the "become a travel agent, but pay for these licences first" deals.

Hi Mike no it’s nothing like that we have been together for over two years I’ve seen the work that goes in, as well as been to huge events in London etc and there’s so many people that do it, it is totally legitimate.

 

[fisicx]

Maybe that’s the problem. There are too many people doing it.

 

[Philtravel]

Maybe that’s the problem. There are too many people doing it.

I know my partner can do it I’ve seen her do it but she’s come to a standstill and I’d love to be able to get to chat to people who are after holidays, talk to them and if interested past them to partner

 

[Lisa Thomas]

Fundamentally, I'm not sure many people use travel agents these days. I've used one a few times (though not for a while now), but 1) he's a friend of mine and 2) I wanted something very specific that I couldn't organise another way. The only ones that are doing well are those that highly specialise in certain things, putting together high-end packages.

I hope she's not been scammed into the "become a travel agent, but pay for these licences first" deals.

I use a TA as do a lot of my friends and family.

I see tons of requests on FB for TA recommendations. However there is a lot of competition out there.

 

[Mark T Jones]

It's possibly been said, but the starting point here is to know your niche.

By country, by holiday type, by age or whatever.

Putting yourself out there as a travel agent will sink immediately

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Before she started her business, in her business plan, how did she define that she was going to get clients?

From there, what is working and what isn't?

Is she part of a franchise?

 

[Philtravel]

I use a TA as do a lot of my friends and family.

I see tons of requests on FB for TA recommendations. However there is a lot of competition out there.

Hi Lisa so for what ever reason people aren’t coming back to so there’s will be an initial chat about the hols/signing up etc but they don’t see to get back to her, even tho she’s doing everything right and has been trained well, I’m just looking for ways to help and put the word out to people I know and try and get talking to knew people. Would it be an issue going into local shops etc and getting talking to a staff member or someone about travel and giving them my details so I can talk them about it then if interested pass them on to her, so she doesn’t get an influx

 

[fisicx]

If you want more business you need to do it online. Asking people in shops is just going to annoy them.

You partner needs to be looking and searching on local FB groups, nextdoor, X and other social media platforms. It’s going to be a long hard slog - this is not an easy service to market.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Hi Lisa so for what ever reason people aren’t coming back to so there’s will be an initial chat about the hols/signing up etc but they don’t see to get back to her, even tho she’s doing everything right and has been trained well, I’m just looking for ways to help and put the word out to people I know and try and get talking to knew people. Would it be an issue going into local shops etc and getting talking to a staff member or someone about travel and giving them my details so I can talk them about it then if interested pass them on to her, so she doesn’t get an influx

If they're not coming back, she isn't doing everything right. There will always be some attrition, but industry averages should be available.

One to one canvassing will be hideously slow and expensive.

I appreciate that you are third party here, but this screams no planning or research.

The most basic question: Why will they use here rather than one of the other options?

 

[Lisa Thomas]

Hi Lisa so for what ever reason people aren’t coming back to so there’s will be an initial chat about the hols/signing up etc but they don’t see to get back to her, even tho she’s doing everything right and has been trained well, I’m just looking for ways to help and put the word out to people I know and try and get talking to knew people. Would it be an issue going into local shops etc and getting talking to a staff member or someone about travel and giving them my details so I can talk them about it then if interested pass them on to her, so she doesn’t get an influx

I don't think asking members of the public will help - surelythat would only serve to give her a bad reputation for spamming people, especially if they are trying to work.

People buy from people - I do a lot of in person networking and I tend to recommend those people who I have met & like.

I would recommend she joins one or two networking groups.

 

[Philtravel]

I don't think asking members of the public will help - surelythat would only serve to give her a bad reputation for spamming people, especially if they are trying to work.

People buy from people - I do a lot of in person networking and I tend to recommend those people who I have met & like.

I would recommend she joins one or two networking groups.

Hi Lisa I appreciate that, what networking groups can you suggest

 

[Lisa Thomas]

Hi Lisa so for what ever reason people aren’t coming back to so there’s will be an initial chat about the hols/signing up etc but they don’t see to get back to her, even tho she’s doing everything right and has been trained well, I’m just looking for ways to help and put the word out to people I know and try and get talking to knew people. Would it be an issue going into local shops etc and getting talking to a staff member or someone about travel and giving them my details so I can talk them about it then if interested pass them on to her, so she doesn’t get an influx

I don't think asking members of the public will help, that would only serve to give her a bad reputation for spamming people, epseically if they are tyring to work.

People buy from people - I do a lot of in person networking and I tend to recommend those people who I have met & like.

Hi Lisa I appreciate that, what networking groups can you suggest

I'm based in Plymouth, so probably not helpful to your partner unless you happen to be based here too. Look for local ones on Eventbrite, ticket tailor, LinkedIn, Google etc.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

I would never buy a travel arrangement from online small company, but there are plenty of local people i would use. I would suggest open up a office in town where you can advertise your business but also visit the local companies who are likely to use a lot of travel and try to get in with them where you can organise a friendly relationship. I used to travel the world on business as a Hydrographic Surveyor mainly using a local agency who had their own local person they used who arranged all the travel. They did no holiday business but business hotel bookings and airline travel at short notice was one of their specialities.

At the verry least try some networking in local groups, Life is not always holidays

 

[fisicx]

My parents used to use the local Travel Counsellors agent. The key word being local. And she was very visible visiting local organisations and groups offering help and advice.

 

[Lisa Thomas]

That's who we use too, plus there are a couple in my networking groups.

 

[Lisa Thomas]

TA market does seem a bit saturated though - I can name 5 local TA's off the top of my head who I know from networking.

 

[Mark T Jones]

TA market does seem a bit saturated though - I can name 5 local TA's off the top of my head who I know from networking.

Saturated markets are for people who dont understand niches

@Philtravel - I dont necessarily agree on the 'local' bit.

Our situation - we will probably visiting Vietnam in the next couple of years. Our vibe will be somewhere between predictable tourist and off the beaten track.

Id happily use an agent, and don't really care where in the UK they are based.

What i do care about is:

- They take time to understand our specific requirements

- the demonstrate a solid knowledge and understanding of Vietnam.

- they dont try to flog us group packages, insurance or any other nonsense.

 

[fisicx]

@Mark T Jones - which is why (as you always suggest) properly define your target market. Find your niche.

 

[ethical PR]

I know my partner can do it I’ve seen her do it but she’s come to a standstill and I’d love to be able to get to chat to people who are after holidays, talk to them and if interested past them to partner

Who does your partner see as her target market for her services . Has she developed a marketing plan to help her understand what marketing channels to use to reach her target market? What budget has she set aside for her marketing ? Has she identified why people should use her services , rather than that of her competitors.

If not this should be her starting point.

 

[tony84]

The market is too diluted.
Has she thought about specialising?

We used one for a stag do. But you could also look at golf holidays or sports teams etc?

Realistically I reckon most of the market just goes online.

I have only booked holidays using price comparison sites. I say this as someone who also takes a hit from price comparison sites... She either needs a local base, somewhere people can come in and promote herself as a local agent where people can come in and get help etc. Ideally a town/village where there is a big "shop local" theme or what I did... Specialise.

Get in with some golf pros for example. Buy some golf balls from the golf pro for the people going - this will help the golf pro (as they can struggle with online competition too) and its a freebie for the customers.

Maybe sports teams?
Stag do's
I would say cruises but I think thats probably a bit too diluted too.
Singles? Might be a hard sell though.
Or maybe a little morbid but I read there is a growing demand for older people to go to places like thailand for care. They get nicer accommodation, warmer climate, better care for a fraction of the price - maybe touring tris to visit 2-3 care homes? You might then be able to get repeat custom from the families when they go to visit?

Just off the top of my head.