Top Travel Agent Incentives in Mexico

Oct 02, 2017

TravelAgentIncentivesMexico_ft — Some companies offer temporary incentives during a product launch. // © 2017 Excellence Group Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Everyone likes rewards — and a number of suppliers who operate in Mexico have created some especially alluring incentive programs for travel agents who sell the destination.

In June, Grupo Posadas announced enhancements to provide more benefits for agents, changing the name of its program to La Coleccion Rewards. Designed to serve as a resource for travel agents looking for the latest information on the company’s resorts, the program also provides travel agent promotions and incentives as well as breaking news about the properties and sales tips for agents. Grupo Posadas bills itself as the largest hotel operator in Mexico, with more than 130 hotels and more than 22,000 rooms, spread across the brands Live Aqua, Grand Fiesta Americana, Fiesta Americana, The Explorean by Fiesta Americana, Fiesta Inn, Gamma Hotels and One Hotels.

Among the new incentives to debut with La Coleccion Rewards: Travel agents receive one free night at any resort for every booking and also receive a 15 percent commission for direct reservation (which is up from the previous 10 percent). The program also keeps many of its previous benefits, including a $50 cash reward for bookings of three to five nights, and $100 cash for bookings of six nights or more. Grupo Posadas claims that one feature — payment upon booking — is exclusive to the company, and agents receive bonuses on registered bookings within 30 days. In addition, there is no cap on the earning potential; and incentives apply to bookings of a minimum of three nights and are valid for individual bookings as well as groups of up to 25 rooms.

Excellence Group Luxury Hotels & Resorts, meanwhile, often creates temporary incentives to push sales when the company is about to have an opening or launch. This is intended to encourage travel agents to reach a specified number of reservations to receive special incentives. The company’s three hotel brands are Excellence Resorts, Beloved Hotels and Finest Resorts, with properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Barcelo Hotel Group has an extensive program, called Barcelo Partner Club, designed specifically for retail agents who sell its properties in Latin America and the Caribbean. Agents who sign up and enter bookings collect perks, including BPartner Cash. Barcelo is currently offering a limited-time incentive, through Dec. 18, 2017, with $50 or $100 bonuses for new bookings of seven nights or more, for travel through Dec. 20, 2018.

Agents who book Palace Resorts can make use of the Palace Exceptional Destination Groups & Events (EDGE) Program for group bookings, which is available exclusively to Pro Specialist Agents. Pro agents also have access to cash benefits and marketing tools to keep them informed about the latest brand news, as well as special room rates for contracted groups and perks such as free room upgrades.

Another added-value element in the Palace Pro program is the ability to book midweek wedding ceremonies with special rates. Depending on the number of nights and rooms booked, clients could receive additional benefits including free private events.