AWARDS PREVIEW
With the big night on Tuesday now just days away, we talk to Paul Melinis, director of sales at Insight Vacactions, which has a long- standing relationship with the Agent Achievement Awards as sponsor of the spectacular entertainment. And, aptly for this US-themed edition, Insight will this year be promoting its new Americas programme.
Q Tell us why you are involved in the AAAs. A We regard it as the biggest agent event on the calendar, showcasing and celebrating the best agents from up and down the country. It’s the only event that focuses purely on talent in the agent community, and as the trade is so crucial to our business, it’s important to us to be involved.
Q Give us an idea of where the trade sits in your strategy, and tell us what you are doing to improve your relationship with and service for agents. A Travel agents are vital to us – 85% of our business still comes from the trade, so we remain completely committed. We have a team of sales managers on the road, and we regularly run incentives, fams and training to support our agent partners. Our E-partner programme is a great example of our prioritising the trade, as it always refers a repeat
booker back to the agent of record. We incentivise agents to capture the low-hanging fruit of repeat bookers because we know our high customer satisfaction rate will drive clients to travel with us again. We’re also launching a Follow the Sun strategy, which involves the extension of our office hours.
Q What are the big events or products you will be promoting around the AAAs this month? A This week we will be launching our 2016 Americas programme, which features some exciting new destinations for us. Also, 2015 is our Signature Year, so we’ll be highlighting all the Signature Experiences that guests can expect on one of our journeys, to illustrate the difference in travelling with Insight, and the amazing value we represent.
Q Who should guests look out for on the night? A I will be there with the rest of
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travelweekly.co.uk — 2 July 2015
PICTURES: STEVE DUNLOP
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