Does Your Market Know You Are a Passionate Travel Professional?
Download this page in PDF formatA professional independent travel agents network “TravelXperts” is launching a consumer campaign on the benefits of dealing with a licensed professional travel agent.
The recently launched “TravelXperts” website www.travelxperts.com.au is guiding consumers in how to have a safe and enjoyable travel experience. TravelXperts are inviting professional licensed travel agents to join the network and a proposed 2 year PR marketing campaign.
“We are an independent group of like-minded travel professionals who are truly passionate about travel and creating awareness about the benefits of using a licensed professional travel agent,” said Marilyn Moore, the founder of TrasvelXperts and the Managing Director of MDM Travel and Events. “Our image as service providers has been damaged over the years and our aim is to promote good news stories in the face of increasing negative publicity,” said Marilyn Moore.
The reputation of travel agents has recently suffered due to controversial anti-agent advertisements by travel insurance providers and various bad publicity stories about unethical travel agent commission scams.
“Online travel booking brands are also gaining credibility and are now considered to be more trustworthy than booking via a travel agent,” says Marilyn Moore.
Recent research by TNS* indicates that many consumers feel that travel information online is more reliable than offline these days (30%) and that the service of online travel companies was as good as traditional travel agents (27%).
TravelXperts believe that most travel agents do provide highly professional services but that there are many consumers who are not satisfied with the level of service and expertise they have been receiving.
“When consumers are booking their long awaited holiday we want to ensure that they are dealing with a skilled travel professional, know that their money is safe and the travel agent is fully licensed and a member of the Travel Compensation Fund,” says Marilyn Moore.
TravelXperts website is an informative source, for example featuring how to find out if a travel agent is licensed and how much experience they might have. There is also advice about safe travel including information about online travel bookings, travel scams and airline collapses, travel insurance, TCF and benefits of using the www.smarttraveller.gov.au
“We want to reinforce the importance of using travel agents especially during times of crisis,” says Moore. “TravelXperts” will have a 24 hour hotline in case of emergencies for all customers directed back to their agent.
There is no fee to join the TravelXperts network. However, those members wanting to be part of the 2 year marketing PR consumer campaign will equally contribute to cover the costs of the campaign. All funds will be used to run the campaign and account information will be made available to all participating members.
Travel and tourism marketing PR specialist Finnesse Communications has been appointed to coordinate the PR and marketing campaign.
The first TravelXpert consumer launch event (in conjunction with the MDM Travel and Events Group) will be held during the now sold-out “Luxury Cruise and Travel Expo” on 25 November, being held at Manly Golf Club on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Over 200 consumers will take part in Expo and following dinner.
For more information please contact Marilyn Moore of MDM Travel and Event visit www.travelxperts.com.au
