What is it:
Travel Planners International is an elite Inner Circle member of Vacation.com. Vacation.com is more than a Web site. Vacation.com is a network of approximately 5,000+ travel agencies across North America. Vacation.com is a nationally branded, technology-driven travel agency marketing organization. Vacation.com focuses on building meaningful preferred supplier relationships to the ultimate benefit of its member agencies (TPI being an elite Inner Circle member) and their clients. With the buying power of 5,000+ travel agencies, Vacation.com provides exceptional value to consumers.
A message from Steve Tracas - President and CEO Vacation.com:
The relationship between Vacation.com and Travel Planners International is an excellent example of the “Power of the Partnership”. By joining a Vacation.com host travel agency, you will receive all of the benefits Vacation.com has to offer, including the advanced Vacation.com Engagement Marketing Program. As a member, TPI can extend our Engagement Direct Marketing solution to home based agents who join TPI and who are interested in direct marketing to their customers. I can personally attest that TPI is truly “more than just a host agency” as their hosting plans, technology, entry level and advanced training, marketing and business development systems and overall customer services are second to none. Their professionalism and passion for selling travel as well as their support of Vacation.com and our 100 Preferred Suppliers is outstanding. This support is what makes TPI one of Vacation.com’s highest selling member agencies, and an active member on our Advisory Board (Ken Gagliano, TPI Pres.). TPI and Vaction.com: “The Power of the Partnership”!
Steve Tracas,
Pres. & CEO Vacation.com
Role and member benefits:
TPI’s consortium, Vacation.com, offers generous commission programs and promotional opportunities with major suppliers. As an Independent Contractor for TPI, you are automatically a member and enjoy the same privileges and excellent commissions at no cost to you. In addition, you get FREE access to AgentNet, an innovative, password-secured Internet site that will serve as an information resource and communications tool.
Preferred Supplier Relationships:
With the buying power of 5,000+ travel agencies, Vacation.com can maximize commissions and overrides, while providing exceptional value to member agencies’ customers.
Vacation.com selects its partners based on product quality and reliability; commissions and overrides; extensive marketing support; and value-added enhancements. Having regional as well as national partners allows Vacation.com member agencies to tailor their offerings to their local market’s needs.
Vacation.com Marketing and Technology Programs:
AgentNet:
AgentNet is Vacation.com's exclusive members-only Extranet site. AgentNet allows members to access important consumer and supplier information as well as updates on Vacation.com education and training initiatives in a quick and easy fashion, without piles of paperwork. From marketing tools to assistance in Web site development, Vacation.com's AgentNet is completely tailored to the needs of Vacation.com member agents. Booking tools, exclusive specials, on-line training and educational opportunities, important company news, community chat session, preferred supplier override information, and comprehensive information for initiating and increasing sales are all at the fingertips of Vacation.com member agents when they take advantage of AgentNet.
Some Highlights of AgentNet:
Reservations: Cruise Center – The Vacation.com Cruise Center Block Space Program allows you to book couples and families at Group Prices. You don’t need a group! Vacation.com offers lower prices, higher commissions, and select amenities!
Marketing: Engagement gives agents the ability to order customized promotional materials as direct mail pieces.
Community: Community gives agents the opportunity to communicate with their peers, executives, and staff, and travel professionals in live, instantaneous online discussions or on message boards.
Suppliers: Quick links to all Vacation.com’s preferred suppliers. Find commission rates, phone numbers and links to supplier’s home page.
Resources: Area guides, maps, events and local information. Flight tools including airport information and flight tracking. Travel aids including currency converter, health and visa, weather, time, and telephone guides.
Training: Links to Amadeus E-University, Vacation.com Tradeshow information, Webex online training. CLIA Online training, Amadeus Format Quickfind.
Product Info: Everything else you need to keep your business running smoothly. Booking engine for VacationAccess (VAX) is one of the most advanced on-line vacation travel management systems available to travel professionals today. Discounts on HP Printers, Office Depot Supplies, Shipping Services.
VacationPort: Allows you to send html emails directly to your clients. This robust e-marketing tool facilitates the promotion of Vacation.com’s negotiated Block Space and Special Offers.
InfoCenterOnline: Is a whole new way fro travel agents to quickly obtain sales support materials that are currently available. Everything you order that is currently in stock will be packed and shipped to you at one time. BE SURE TO USE YOUR ADDRESS! Choose from over 150 supplier brochures. A FREE SERVICE.
Engagement Program:
TPI realizes the power behind the Vacation.com Engagement Program (Direct Mail/Email Marketing Program) and that's why we include the full membership benefits of the Engagement Program for you. Engagement is a marketing campaign program where Vacation.com produces and mails 60+ personalized direct mailings (post cards, flyers, destination magazine, etc.) per year to your customers. In addition, they offer 50+ e-Engagement email ready promotions that can be sent to your entire customer list at no additional cost. These marketing tools enable you to compete with travel sellers (Expedia, Travelocity, AAA, etc.) who spend big bucks on consumer promotions. All direct mail and email promotions are designed with Vacation.com/TPI negotiated value added benefits for your customers promoting a preferred supplier. A quarterly Destination magazine can be customized with a personal letter to your customers printed on the inside cover! Click below for information and product samples:
To enroll in Vacation.com Engagement program requires that you submit a minimum of 50 valid names and addresses. A confidentiality agreement ensures that your list is protected from being resold or used inappropriately. The Engagement Program is a very successful marketing program where each direct mailing is managed by Vacation.com allowing you to do what you do best, which is sell travel. Compared with the cost of designing, printing and mailing these quality pieces, you will save more than 50% than doing it yourself.
We have been using the Engagement program since it was announced, and I am absolutely thrilled about it. We have the time and the experience to create advertising pieces, but why should we now that Vacation.com does such a fantastic job. When they manage our promotions, it frees up our time to do what we do best – selling travel. Kate Murphy, Blue Bell – PA
I recently joined TPI because of your Engagement program. I was with another smaller host agency for over 3 years that offered barely or no support. I did my first engagement mailing and booked 2 cruises that earned $500.00 in commission. I can’t believe how professional my promotions look! Just because I am home-based, doesn’t mean I need to look “home-based”. Hurray to TPI and Vacation.com for this terrific marketing tool. Todd McElliott, Buffalo, NY
Thank you TPI for giving me the marketing tools to compete with the online giants. Finally, a host agency that knows what we are up against. Before joining TPI, I was with another large host agency, which was with the Ensemble consortium, and their direct mail program was not as organized, not as simple to use and cost me hundreds of dollars per year. My sales are up 200% already this year. You will have me a loyal agent for years to come. Thank you TPI and Vacation.com. Robert Spencer, Tacoma – WA
By combining my friends, family, church contacts, and the girls I play bunko with, to my surprise, I was able to come up with 227 names. Wow! At first, I was hesitant to opt-in and spend the extra money. I participated in 6 mailings and spent only $426.00, but made back 30 times that in my first group of 60 cabins on the Mariner of the Seas. Additionally, when my customers think about taking a trip, I am the first and only person that they call. I never thought marketing my home-based business could be so easy. Trudy Rossi, Tampa - FL
Join the thousands of professional Vacation.com agents already engaged so you can successfully and affordably market your travel services to your customers. To get engaged today, please visit our Marketing & Business Development homepage http://www.tpimbd.com.
Vacation.com Annual Conference:
Held annually, Vacation.com’s International Conference & Trade Show is a great opportunity for agents to become acquainted with Vacation.com’s newest technologies, learn about preferred supplier products and benefit from seminars presented by the industry’s top experts.
Leading Industry speakers, thought provoking super sessions, innovative technology workshops with actual hands-on sessions, half day preferred supplier and destination trade show, networking opportunities, and fun too are some of the opportunities available when you attend Vacation.com’s Annual International Conference and Trade Show.
To register, simply fill out the registration form available through AgentNet or take advantage of TPI’s special negotiated rate for TPI agents only. Fax your form and mail your payment to TPI’s marketing department. Cost of the registration fee may vary. Hotel accommodations are not included, however you can always take advantage of Vacation.com Special Travel Agent Rate negotiated exclusively for Conference attendees.
Vacation.com Additional Training:
Vacation.com also offers free WebEx online classes on a variety of programs, and hosts year-round hands-on training sessions at the Vacation.com Learning Center in the organization’s Alexandria headquarters.
Vacation.com CruiseCentre:
The Vacation.com CruiseCentre is a members-only added value benefit which provides several advantages including hosting a traditional group block space program, an FIT program, a merchant space program, and a member exclusive product line. All four leverage Vacation.com’s large membership base to secure very competitive rates and enhanced commissions on a wide range of sailings, for members who may not have the leverage or resources to do it on their own. |
