INSPIRING Vacation’s commitment to the travel trade has been front and centre this week, with 12 lucky travel agents exploring Japan on the brand’s second-ever familiarisation trip.
Having scored a spot on the famil as top sellers and winners of the brand’s incentive competition earlier this year, the group are enjoying their prize – a place on the trade-only departure of the brand’s ‘Best of Japan’ tour this week.
With the destination making up 60% of Inspiring Vacation’s sales, the ‘Best of Japan’ itinerary showcases the highlights of the country, offering the group a diverse experience of Japan’s rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty.
The group have seen iconic sites including the UNESCO-listed Golden Pavilion, the Torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tokyo’s ancient Sensō-ji Temple, and the natural beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Inspiring Vacations saves agents time
Speaking to the group on the final day of the famil in Japan, Inspiring Vacation’s Head of Trade Sales, Cameron Hunt, shared how the brand supports agents and its dedication to saving advisors valuable time.
“I’m passionate about the [trade] strategy”, Hunt shared. “The be all and end all for me, having come from travel agent land, is to make it as quick and as easy [to book] as possible because the biggest commodity for you, the trade, is time…every strategy and everything we do, is to help you save time,” Hunt shared.
“We can save you time making bookings, we can give you information quick and easy, and you can get in contact with us quickly and easily.”
“You should be able to make a booking within less than 5 clicks…and we strive to keep enhancing that online experience for agents” Hunt explained.
In addition to the efficiency provided by their e-commerce model, Inspiring Vacations also offers the travel trade support through a dedicated trade team, efficient communications, marketing support, monthly trade specific webinar updates, incentive programs, and the ability for travel agents to unlock extra commission.
Carrie Minear from Helloworld has now earned her place onto both Inspiring Vacations famils, Sri Lanka and Japan, and speaks highly of both the product and the booking process.
Speaking to travelBulletin in Japan, Minear shared: “I’ve been fortunate to travel to two amazing destinations with Inspiring Vacations and have experienced firsthand how a skilled tour operator can craft an unforgettable journey.”
“Booking through the Travel Hub is incredibly easy and straightforward”, she shared, also explaining that the variety of tour types offers something for every traveller.
“From classic experiences to luxury options and even tailor-made itineraries…there’s a perfect fit for every demographic.”
Success through trade partnership
Following on from Inspiring Vacation’s first trade trip to Sri Lanka in May, and the launch of its dedicated travel trade team and support line, the brand has seen a significant boost in sales.
Hunt said Inspiring Vacations has “seen a significant increase in bookings and passenger numbers” since investing in the trade and expanding their B2B strategy.
Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Paul Ryan also explained that “strengthening partnerships with agents remains a core focus” for the business.
“Offering competitive commission and a dedicated trade support team, we’re building partnerships that empower agents with the knowledge and experiences they need to confidently recommend Inspiring Vacations tours to their clients,” Ryan added.
Inspiring Vacations incentives
Current incentives open to the Australian travel trade include a $50 gift card for every $5,000 sold in addition to commission, and a $200 gift card available for an agent’s first booking made with Inspiring Vacations.
Additionally, Inspiring Vacations has just launched the opportunity to win a place on a five-night luxury trip through Sri Lanka.
Agents will score one entry into the prize draw for every passenger booked on an Inspiring Vacations trip from now until 31 December.
To register as an agent with Inspiring Vacations, click HERE.
