What:
American Marketing Group, Inc. (AMG) recently unveiled new technology, training and marketing tools for its travel agent members across several brands. New initiatives include online training for members of the TravelSavers network, Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST) and Affluent Travel Collection network; a new two-part “Journeys” marketing program; and the introduction of Lead Dash, a tool that syncs supplier data with agent marketing.
Why It Matters:
The success of an agent consortium stems from its ability to provide cutting-edge tools that help advisor members succeed. AMG’s new initiatives show the company’s ability to adapt to a changing marketplace and evolve to meet the needs of today’s agents.
Fast Facts:
- Other conference announcements for members of the Affluent Traveler Collection include the addition of 44 high-end properties to the Hotel Amenities Program; a new consumer website at www.theaffluenttraveler.com; and a new hands-on educational series called Affluent Experiences.
- The new TravelSavers and Nest University training will include supplier product certifications, niche market training, business-building workshops, personal development sessions and more, all of which will be consolidated in one place online.
- AMG’s new Journeys multi-touch marketing program will include Destinations by Journeys (which highlights the offerings of one designated part of the world per quarter) and Lifestyles by Journeys (which highlights specific travel types, including cruise, escorted tour, romance, all-inclusive and more). Available to agents through this program are direct mail pieces, e-blasts, an agency-branded, personalized consumer website, pre-crafted social media content and more.
- Agents using the new Lead Dash tool will receive prompts to follow up with customers on unused cruise and tour credits. Additionally, Lead Dash will distribute agency-branded emails with preferred supplier messaging to clients.
- Additionally, seven new preferred supplier partners have been added to AMG’s portfolio this year: American Queen Steamboat Company, Cox & Kings, Fiore Tours, Go Canada by Air Canada Vacations, Goway Travel, Just You and Luxe Travel Hawaii.
What They Are Saying:
“We can’t emphasize enough how important training is to the health and future of our industry,” said Kathryn Burney-Mazza, president of NEST and executive vice president of sales and service for TravelSavers. “Everyone agrees that we need more knowledgeable, experienced travel professionals out there serving the public. After receiving many requests from individuals for additional educational opportunities, we knew it was time to take on the challenge, and so we created TravelSavers and NEST University to meet the need.”
“We act as a full-service marketing agency for our travel agents,” said Nicole Mazza, chief marketing officer for TravelSavers, NEST and The Affluent Traveler Collection. “We celebrate the differences of how our agents market, and want to ensure them that we have the capabilities internally to assist in creating unique marketing programs and tools for them. We do not create cookie-cutter programs that all must use. Our multi-touch marketing programs are always customized to the individual agencies.”
The Details
American Marketing Group, Inc.
www.travelsavers.com
