Travel agents deserve more than just a tip of the hat for their
hard work, and Hawaii wholesalers are expressing their thanks by
offering agent appreciation programs.
Runaway Tours, for instance, is continuing its
Runaway Rewards program in 2003.
“We want to recognize our agent partners’ dedication,” said
Runaway President Ed Jackson. “Behind every great vacation stands a
professional travel agent’s experience.”
For every five qualified bookings, front-line travel agents will
receive $50 cash. Runaway also offers seasonal Reap the Rewards
incentives such as tickets on United Airlines, accommodations and
car rentals. Agents making five bookings get one roundtrip ticket
on United system-wide. For 10 bookings agents receive a second
United ticket, and 15 bookings result in a three-night stay in
Hawaii with a rental car. Call 800-622-0733, ext. 8290.
For 15 years, Hawaii World has provided agents
with $10 store coupons when they make any type of booking that
includes a trip and cancellation waiver. Coupons are good at such
retailers as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Crate & Barrel and Home
Depot.
In another Hawaii World program, once agents book 100
passengers, they get a $600 United Airlines credit.
“Not only do we give them an incentive, we send them to Hawaii
to make them better-versed in the destination,” said Mary Twist,
Hawaii World president. Hawaii World’s sales team helps individual
agencies customize incentive programs. They might include arranging
for a massage therapist to visit the client’s office or providing
baseball tickets for the entire staff.
“Basically, the agency creates its own incentive,” Twist said.
“It ends up as a great team-building exercise.” Call
800-4HAWAII.
Classic Custom Vacations’ travel agent
incentive is called Special Travel Agent Rewards STAR. Agents earn
one point for every $100 in sales on all qualified bookings.
For 2003, Classic has revised its reward system so that 200
points earns the agent $100 in cash. For 500 points, an agent gets
a two-night hotel stay in Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean, with 750
points good for three nights and a rental car in one of those
destinations.
Agents with 1,000 points receive two-night vacations with a
roundtrip coach air tickets, hotel and rental car, while 5,000
points translates into a nine-night vacation in Europe with two
business class roundtrip air tickets, transfers and hotel. Call
800-221-3949.
Apple Vacations has been running its Royalties
program since 1997. When making qualified bookings, agents earn one
to three points for every $10 they sell.
They can cash in with as few as 3,750 points, which earn them
such gifts as a Smart Shot camera, a sports duffel bag or a Fossil
Watch.
With 7,500 points, agents can get free gifts such as a rolling
suitcase or a hand vacuum. For 75,000 points, awards include
camcorders, 25-inch televisions and digital cameras.
In addition to the regular points-per-booking program, Apple
will come out with bonus offers throughout the year. Call
800-800-0202.
Pleasant Holidays has its own way of saying
thanks to its travel agent partners.
For two qualified bookings, agents get a $40 bonus above and
beyond the commission. Bookings must include five-night minimum
hotel stays and the purchase of the Pleasant Protection Plan or
Travel Protection Plan.
Pleasant Holidays also offers commission overrides for all
agencies based on production. Call 800-448-3333.