Securing Special Deals from Hotels as a New Travel Agency

Starting a new travel agency can be both exciting and challenging. One of the primary tasks is to secure special deals from hotels. Here are several strategies that can help you achieve this:

Direct Outreach

One of the most effective ways to get hotels to offer special deals is through direct outreach. This can be achieved via email or phone calls to hotel sales managers. Here's how to maximize the impact of your approach:

Email or Phone Calls: Start by reaching out directly to the hotel's sales manager. Introduce your agency, explain your target market, and express your interest in collaborating for special rates. Personalized Proposals: When contacting hotels, provide a clear proposal outlining the benefits of working with your agency. Include your marketing strategy and potential volume of bookings to make a strong case. Build Relationships: Consider attending industry trade shows, conferences, and local networking events to build relationships with hotel representatives and other travel professionals.

Another important aspect of direct outreach is to participate in FAM trips (Familiarization trips) organized by hotels or tourism boards. This will help you better understand their offerings and establish key connections.

Join Industry Programs

Joining well-established industry programs can provide you with greater access to exclusive rates and amenities. Here are a few options:

Consortia Memberships: Consider joining travel agency consortia or networks like Virtuoso Travel Leaders or Signature Travel Network. These organizations often have established relationships with hotels and can bring more visibility to your agency. GDS - Global Distribution Systems: Register with a GDS like Sabre, Amadeus, or Travelport. These systems can help you access negotiated rates and inventory from various hotel chains, making it easier to secure special deals.

Offer Value

To further incentivize hotels to offer you special deals, consider highlighting the value your agency can provide. Below are some ways to do this:

Marketing Support: Emphasize how you can promote their property through your marketing channels. Offering to feature them in newsletters, social media, or website content can be a significant selling point. Feedback and Reviews: Provide valuable feedback on their services and encourage your clients to leave positive reviews. This can significantly enhance their reputation and trustworthiness.

Ultimately, the success of your outreach efforts depends on your ability to provide tangible value to the hotels. By combining these strategies, you can effectively negotiate special deals with hotels even as a new agency.

Negotiate

Finally, negotiation plays a crucial role in securing the best possible deals. Here are a few tactics to consider:

Volume Discounts: If you anticipate a certain volume of bookings, negotiate discounts based on that expected business. Hotels are often more willing to offer special rates when they see potential for increased revenue. Length of Stay or Package Deals: Suggest special deals based on length-of-stay discounts or package deals. Including activities, meals, or transportation can make packages more attractive to travelers.

In conclusion, securing special deals from hotels as a new travel agency requires a strategic and persistent approach. By leveraging direct outreach, joining industry programs, offering value, and negotiating effectively, you can establish strong relationships and achieve your goals.