Avanti Destinations, the Portland, Ore.-based tour operator that offers customizable FIT programs to Europe, Central America and South America, is incentivizing travel agents to make bookings online by offering an additional 1 percent for any product or complete itinerary booked between Feb. 2 and May 31. Agents also can get the same 1 percent bonus by booking via email with Avanti Destinations.
Harry Dalgaard, Avanti's president and founder, said agents have come to rely on Avanti's reservations agents, but may not be aware that more than 90 percent of the company's product line can be booked online using the PRO FIT booking and planning engine. "By using the website themselves and eliminating extended hold times during the busiest season, agents can earn extra commission and save valuable time. PRO FIT can speed the building of even complex itineraries with up to 12 destinations," Dalgaard said.
In addition, for the first time agents can save additional time by sending Avanti booking or quotation requests directly to [email protected] beginning Feb. 2. An Avanti reservations agent will respond within 24 hours with a complete and priced itinerary. To assist agents in providing the necessary data to book or provide a quote, a sample informational template has been developed and will be on the home page on Avanti's website starting Feb. 2.
As much as 70 percent of Avanti's bookings are multi-destination customized vacations, but the tour operator also offers simple add-on products, such as pre- and post-cruise city-stays, transfers and sightseeing in such port cities such as Barcelona, Naples and Athens. "With Wave Season in full swing, agents can earn that extra commission by giving their cruise clients more options than cruise lines traditionally offer, such as our boutique hotels and personalized excursions," said Dalgaard.
Commissions for complete customizable itineraries or individual components, including hotels, sightseeing and transfers, start at 10 percent, regardless of how they are booked. Agents can book any of these components online beginning Feb. 2 for an additional 1 percent bonus.
Portland-Ore.-based Avanti has been selling independent travel products and customizable vacations since 1981 to Europe and Central and South America. The tour operator offers a wide range of FIT packages through travel agents only, including air, rail, rental cars, hotels, sightseeing/attractions, transfers and travel options. Avanti also specializes in locally-owned hotels in both large and small cities.
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