SUPPLIER
Expedia upgrades TAAP agents to Silver membership tier
Agents in the Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP) are being offered a fast- track way to increase earnings. The online travel agent is
automatically upgrading new and existing agent members to its Silver membership tier, which pays higher commission. Agents qualifying for the
upgrade include members that haven’t used Expedia TAAP for over 12 months and new sign-ups. They will be enrolled as a Silver partner for the rest of the year. Expedia TAAP operates four
tiers: Standard, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Agents work their way up the tiers, accessing enhanced benefits as they grow. Expedia TAAP is offering
agents an additional revenue boost for all accommodation bookings that are not cancelled, allowing agents to earn up to 42% more in revenue. Expedia TAAP is the third-
party retailer division of Expedia Partner Solutions, which is increasing the number of its Premium Plus properties by 30%. Expedia TAAP provides access
to 700,000 properties and more than 500 airlines.
expedia.co.uk/TAAP-Info
HOTEL
Sani Resort and Ikos target agents with digital platform
Hollie-Rae Brader
Sister hotel brands Sani Resort and Ikos Resorts are to create an agent platform as part of a strategy to work more closely with the trade. The hotel group, best known for its Greek
properties, is setting up its first office in the UK and has appointed Lee Barker as sales and marketing regional director for the UK, Scandinavia and Americas. Barker hopes to have the new digital platform in
place by October as he looks to help agents “build a knowledge and understanding” of the two brands. The online hub will house a training programme,
booking reward details, incentives and fact sheets. Currently, 70% of bookings come through operators,
the rest through OTAs, direct or via other channels. Barker said: “Over the years, Ikos and Sani have built up very strong relationships with tour operators, but the
Virgin Voyages insists new 16% commission rate is ‘here to stay’
TAAP agents are getting a commission lift
travelweekly.co.uk
Virgin Voyages has increased agent commission to 16%. The line said the new rate, up from 10%, was “not a limited-time offer” and was “here to stay”. The line also has a policy of ensuring no part of the base fare of a voyage is excluded from commission. Debut ship Scarlet Lady is due to make its maiden voyage on October 16.
virginvoyages.com
brands are yet to penetrate the travel agent community. “Our strategy is to build strong ties with agents, not
with a view to taking those agent bookings away from operators, but to build a knowledge and understanding among agents about our product. “I see a big opportunity with luxury agents – those
offering a concierge-style service, who have an affluent clientele. The opportunity for growth is exciting.” Barker, who previously worked for Kerzner
International for more than a decade, is recruiting for three positions: sales support, business development and head of sales and marketing. Sani Resort is a collection of five adjoining hotels in
Halkidiki, Greece, while Ikos operates four properties in Greece and has a new addition in Marbella, Spain. Barker said there were plans to introduce a fam trip
programme in the future.
sani-resort.com
ikosresorts.com
Sani Beach
Ikos Olivia
Majestic Princess’s 2021-22 sailings from Los Angeles are now on sale
Princess Cruises has put Majestic Princess’s debut sailings out of Los Angeles on sale for autumn 2021 and spring 2022. The ship’s schedule includes seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises throughout the season and seven-day Classic California Coast voyages in the autumn and spring.
princess.com
9 JULY 2020
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