ToursByLocals CEO Lisa Chen recognises that "agents' time is extremely valuable" on the back of significant upgrades to trade functionality on the provider's website earlier this year, hoping to remain agents' "provider of choice" moving forward with efficiency improvements and top tips to maximise sales
On the site, search filters have been refined to search based on transportation options, price range or traveller interests, with a streamlined layout making information easier to scan with larger images.
A direct line of communication with local guides has been instated to request bespoke itineraries should the listed options not fit the bill for clients.
A new shore excursion planner offers a drop-down menu for agents to view all available shore excursions at each port of call after entering their clients' cruise line, ship name and sailing date.
These upgrades were introduced, as Lisa put it, "to make the process of finding the right private tour for their clients as simple and streamlined as possible."
As well as recognising the value of agents' time, Lisa "recognise[s] that they’re trusting ToursByLocals with their book of business – their valuable clients – and so we need to deliver the very best experience possible, from the initial search, to communication tools, to booking, to tour delivery, to post-tour communication, and payout, every time.
"...[agents] are trusting ToursByLocals with their book of business... we need to deliver the very best experience possible..."
Top three "hacks" to maximise ToursByLocals' trade potential
Lisa spotlighted three "hacks" to help agents maximise their working relationship and earning potential on the ToursByLocals platform.
1. Commissionable links
"All agents earn commission from ToursByLocals by booking tours for their clients. But not all agents take advantage of sharing a unique commissionable link with clients and earning the same amount of commission for any tour that a client books within 30 days of clicking on the link.
"Whether the agent shares a link to a specific tour, an area, or even the ToursByLocals homepage, this is a great way to earn commission with minimal time invested."
2. A "virtually free" cancellation upcharge
"Purchase the “Any Reason Cancellation” option at check-out, which lets their clients cancel the tour for any reason up to the moment of tour delivery. It costs 15% of the price of the tour, but what a lot of agents don’t know is that they receive that 15% cost back in ToursByLocals credit if they don’t use the policy.
"They can then apply that amount to the next tour they book, making the policy not only great insurance against unforeseen personal events but virtually free."
3. Accessible and easy trade assets
"We’ve got an easy-to-use online resource centre that all agents can access, filled with helpful agent-focused handbooks and tutorial videos. Even better, we have 24/7 customer support by phone, email and chat, so they can reach ToursByLocals staff anytime, with any question.
"In addition, we have a dedicated Partnership Marketing Manager, whose role is to help agents grow their business. This staff member is now keeping open virtual office hours every week, so take advantage!
"We know that travel agents have so many resources at their disposal – endless businesses to choose from – so we need to offer easy-to-use tools and a consistently reliable product, so that we can remain their provider of choice."
Lisa Chen is CEO of ToursByLocals.
